Posted on 05/19/2008 12:34:12 AM PDT by neverdem
State Senator John D. Sabini, a Queens Democrat, may find himself in the unusual position of losing the support of the Democratic organization in his borough in his bid for re-election, with leaders of the party likely to back City Councilman Hiram Monserrate instead.
Democratic leaders in Queens are scheduled to meet on Monday to determine whether to endorse Mr. Sabini, who was first elected to the Senate in 2002. Normally, party organizations support incumbents, and Mr. Sabini is a former Democratic chairman in Queens. But Mr. Monserrate has put intense pressure on the party officials to gain their support in recent months.
It may well pay off...
--snip--
He added: “I don’t know what the ultimate outcome will be. But I’m pretty proud to run on my record. I’m six years in the Senate and 10 years in the City Council. Ultimately these elections are decided on the streets of Queens. I would enjoy having the county’s support. If that doesn’t happen, I’ll still be running, and I’ll expect to win.”
--snip--
Mr. Sabini criticized Mr. Monserrate on ethics, following recent revelations that the councilman’s office steered more than $3 million in Council discretionary and capital money to a nonprofit agency that was run by some of his closest aides. The group’s financial records have devolved into what its current director characterized as a “mess.” Federal prosecutors and the city’s Department of Investigation are looking into how council members dole out millions of dollars in discretionary money they control to nonprofit agencies that provide a broad range of services.
Mr. Monserrate has denied any wrongdoing. And his supporters have pointed out that Mr. Sabini was arrested last year in Albany and charged with driving while intoxicated. The senator pleaded guilty to a reduced charge and paid a $300 fine.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
I hope the former grunt from the campaign in Italy recovers quickly. Say a prayer, please.
FReepmail me if you want on or off my New York ping list.
I wonder what the party registration is like. If it is like up here it would be majority Democrat and we wouldn’t have a chance. My senate and assembly districts are both 70-30 Dem advantage.
A Republican like me never stood a chance. I tried it once and lost 60/40
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