Hynes fadeout shows weakness

The decision by Thomas Hynes to drop out of today's election formayor is not likely to have as great an impact on the outcome as manythink.

Indeed, I suspect that it was designed less to change thisoutcome than to change Mr. Hynes' political future. The racialimplications are, however, disturbing.

A poll showed Mr. Hynes getting about 11 percent of the vote.Even if all 11 percent went to Edward Vrdolyak,, a very unlikelyprospect, he would still lose handily. In fact, if Mr. Vrdolyakpicked up Mr. Hynes' votes and all of the undecideds, he would stilllose.

Of course, not all of Mr. Hynes' supporters will vote for Mr.Vrdolyak. Some will support Mayor …