Like Liquidity for Chocolate

The spoils are up for grabs, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy's political storm;

One of the city's largest employers affected by superstorm Sandy hasn't fully reopened since the disaster more than a year ago and says it may leave New York if it can't raise the money to return to full production.

Madelaine Chocolate Co. is asking for $10 million in federal Sandy recovery funds from the city, a sum it says it needs to replace and repair machinery, some so specialized it must be sent to Europe for overhaul. Madelaine officials said the company sustained about $50 million in damage, and 10 of its 15 chocolate-molding lines remained out of commission.

Which means that some other businesses would get $10 million less. So, why would a maker of luxury products be at the head of the line for taxpayer money;

Adding to the city's concern about Madelaine's is the Rockaways' sagging economy. The chocolate company is a highly-coveted source of good-paying union manufacturing jobs.  

Unions whose members are a source of campaign contributions.