Howard Wolfson's decision to join the Bloomberg campaign has gone far too unnoticed given all it tells about the way the Mayor's money has distorted politics in New York City.  I know that I've written about this before, but this last chapter has certainly tested new limits.

Let's consider that Wolfson, up until last week, had been a constant thorn in the Mayor's side.  He was the primary voice in opposing the Mayor's attempt to create non-partisan elections in the City through a change in the Charter.  During that campaign Wolfson bashed the Mayor all over town.  This was not the case of one pol running against another and then joining to victor's team, such as Hillary Clinton becoming Secretary of State.  Rather this was a hired hand with a political point of view doing what he does best and winning.

The Mayor has been quick to forgive Wolfson characterizing him as one of the greatest minds in politics.  Of course, he couldn't remember his name and called him Howard Wolfenson at his press conference.  That is no bother.  I am sure Mike knows Harold quite well.

Most amazing is the fact that Wolfson had been a hired hand for Bill Thompson during his "campaign" for his second term as Controller.  Everyone recognized that this campaign was merely a way for Bill to get himself out there in a broader way as he geared up for a Mayoral run.  Wolfson certainly knew this as he collected his fees for doing almost nothing.  Those who watched this saw Thompson as shrewd as he enlisted this great political mind to his future campaign thereby blocking Weiner from attracting Wolfson in 2009.

What was missing in the calculus was that the Mayor did not want Weiner or Thompson to become Mayor and his choice, Chris Quinn, would self-destruct through a Council funding scandal.  Bloomberg, intent on choosing his successor, then went that extra step and overturned two referenda and annointed himself the heir apparent for the next term.

In steps Kevin Sheeky who best understands the power of the Mayor's money and the ability of that money to chop off the heads of his opponents.  Sheeky goes right for Thompson's jugular, his hired flack who seemingly had committed himself to Thompson for 2009.  Sheeky recognizes two important considerations.  The first consideration is that Wolfson had just lost a national primary campaign.  He badly needs a win in his next go round.  The second fact is that Bloomberg's campaign can pay Wolfson anything it pleases given that it has no limitations on spending.  Bill certainly can't do the same as he has to comply with campaign finance limits.

What a coups!! Sheeky shows Wolfson the money and Wolfson comes running.  Who cares if Mike doesn't even know his name?  Remember those bonuses he gave after he won the last elections?  And who will notice that Wolfson had committed himself to someone else?  All that happened before the dollars were flashed,.

So there you have it.  Money beats out loyalty and commitment every time.  Wolfenson just better pray that Mike wins.