On August 9, a New York state court in Brooklyn heard arguments over whether the New York State Independence Party may give counties outside New York city local control over the party’s nominations process, while at the same time giving the five counties within New York city substantially less control. The court battle is fueled by the intra-party contest between supporters of Lenora Fulani and the faction of the party that opposes her. Meanwhile, Lenora Fulani has said she will probably run for one of the 3 New York city citywide offices in 2009. Incumbent Mayor Mike Bloomberg is termed out so the Mayoral seat will be vacant in 2009.