Metro

Dispatches from the campaign trail

The Rev. Floyd Flake thinks President Obama’s troubles have more to do with his skin color than the state of the nation.

The former US rep. — speaking to his huge flock yesterday at the Greater Allen AME Cathedral — said Americans “did not expect to have to wake up every day and see a black face in the White House.”

“If another president would’ve passed that legislation, there would’ve been shouts of joy. Some folks who didn’t have health care now have health care.”

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Carl Paladino’s most loyal sidekick — his pit bull Duke — has been grounded. The dog has been a mainstay on the campaign trail, but yesterday skipped a stop in Watertown, NY, because he doesn’t like to fly.

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Staten Island congressional candidate Michael Grimm’s ex-wife — seated in the front row of his debate at the behest of his opponent — said she and her family were just showing support to longtime pal US Rep. Michael McMahon.

“Why shouldn’t we go? We’ve been to practically every event for Michael McMahon,” said Susan Kim.

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Alaska reporters accidentally left an embarrassing message for an aide to GOP Senate hopeful Joe Miller.

The reporters, for the local CBS affiliate, were unaware the voicemail was on when they oddly joked about sex offenders at a Miller rally, and wondered how they’d cover the story if Miller were punched.