LADY LIBERTY'S CHASTITY BILL

"Do you think that Congress should provide the funds to reopen the Statue of Liberty immediately?" That's the difficult question that confronts visitors to Rep. Anthony Weiner's website. Fortunately, for those who lack the congressman's grit, Weiner isn't waiting for the poll results and is tackling the controversial issue head-on. Liberty Island and the statue's observation deck are in fact open; the crown and the steps leading up to them, however, have been closed to tourists since 9/11, with the Park Service citing evacuation concerns. But last Thursday, Rep. Weiner took a stand and sponsored an amendment calling for the House to pledge $1 million to get the crown back open. The amendment passed, 266-to-52. This doesn't mean anything will happen, but it does prepare voters for what they can expect Weiner to be boasting about come the 2009 mayoral race.