Rick Karlin is reporting at Capitol Confidential "The New York Times" has endorsed Tim Wu for Lt. Governor over Andrew M. Cuomo's handpicked candidate, former Congresswoman and Erie County politician Kathy Hochul (HOKE-ul). The newspaper did not endorse Cuomo in the Sept. 9 Democratic primary. While the Times bemoaned what they said was Cuomo’s failure to enact ethics and campaign finance reform, they believe Teachout does not have the experience to serve as governor. But they noted the state's number two job is different. They applauded Wu’s work on net neutrality, or efforts to keep corporate talons out of the Internet. Karlin is also reporting a key ally to GOP gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino has stepped down from his job. The "Yonkers Tribune" first reported the DWI arrest and subsequent resignation of Hugh Fox Jr. earlier this week. Fox is a retired firefighter and Westchester Co. employee, and county Conservative Party chairman. Fox worked for Astorino for 10 years. Read the both stories at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.