Because of his popularity, some Bronx Democratic leaders believe he may win the primary.

Politically, Bronx leaders dig ever deeper holes for themselves and their constituents.

Bronx Democratic leaders are in danger of losing all public credibility.

Bronx leaders, however, have cited drugs as the borough's biggest quality-of-life problem in the last three polls.

Stanley Friedman, the Bronx Democratic leader, was tried and convicted.

"I don't even know if he'll accept the endorsement," the Bronx leader said.

In recent years, though, Bronx leaders have become optimistic that the borough may be finally shedding its old reputation.

What inspired this thought was the boldness shown by Bronx political leaders this week.

Mr. Friedman, who was the Bronx Democratic leader, found himself on the wrong side of the line.

Unlike previous Bronx leaders, he has pushed forward.