So, almost two weeks ago I got this call that John Liu was more than likely going to flip from Public (S)Advocate and do the Comptroller race instead. I said fine. Then I asked if I could run with the story right away, and I was told to wait just a bit. I said fine. Then I got caught up in my own campaign issues and dropped the ball -by not calling back my source to follow through. I could have scooped everyone/lol.
So, now that John Liu has switched, let me say that I am leaning towards supporting him in this race. Let me also say that I am leaning towards supporting Saquan Jones to replace Al Vann in Bed-Stuy. I am also leaning towards Anthony Weiner in the mayoral race, and as much as I respect both Billy Thompson and Tony Avella as candidates, I haven’t pulled the trigger on that endorsement for Tony Weiner as yet: but I am close. I will do that endorsement column by Easter. I will make a firm decision by then.
The public advocate race is a tough one for me. I like Norman Siegel’s history. I have been out there with him on many an issue, but I am leaning slightly towards Brooklyn’s Bill DiBlasio. Okay; so it just might be a Brooklyn thing. But, I also like Eric Gioia a lot; as a human being and candidate. I could end up with him. I did breakfast with him a couple years ago, and I was as impressed then, as I have always been through the 8 years I have known him. I will choose one of these three.
There are other races in which I will make endorsements by Easter. In the 45th council district I have already made up my mind as to whom I will endorse. My endorsement will surprise a few people. The 45th will take a whole column to explain and breakdown.
I am going to be in a rather unique situation this year, since I will be running for office and writing my column at the same time. I have made one endorsement so far (Mrs. Tulani Kinard), and I am leaning strongly towards endorsing Marquez Claxton, Carlos Bristol and Ydannis Rodriguez. I am not supporting anyone who was term limited. They knew the rules coming in. I am considering Galarza in Sunset Park and I will probably stay out of the 35th district (surprise /Tish James). I will support anyone against, Oliver Koppel, Leroy Comrie, Larry Seabrook, Tom White, Martin Dilan and Diana Reyna. They all need to go (along with a few others too). We probably need to clean house in the city council this year folks.
In the 42nd district, Charles Barron needs to let Paul Washington get his chance to run (win or lose). It’s the decent thing to do for someone who has supported him over the years. If Charles runs for re-election after all his pronouncements about the term-limits extension (and the immorality of not going to referendum), then he will be seen as duplicitous, phony and self-serving (again). Paul and his wife Peggy deserve their day in the sun. I don’t think Paul will win, but he should get his chance. He has paid his dues; albeit not as aggressively as I would have liked to see him pay them. I will also do a single column on this district. Again, I can’t see why Barron’s sycophants can’t see this one clearly: it is the right thing to do.
As I attempt to wear (too) many hats this year, I will be juggling duties like any circus clown. I know one or two hats will fall off from time to time. Let’s hope that I don’t miss any more scoops like John Liu’s. I will try to write a weekly column in between campaign stops. Just keep sending in your contribution checks to help make it easier for me to do this/lol. Otherwise I may have to shutdown for the whole summer. Imagine what the summer will be like without a column or two from me? (Don’t even try to think about it/lol).
BTW: last Saturday I mailed out my filer registration form for the Campaign Finance Board; so you can expect to see my name (and my lil “chump change” raised so far /lol) appearing on their website real soon (after 3-16-09). For all those who told me to go for it -all who encouraged me to run for office again- I am still waiting for your checks (SERIOUSLY). I do have a luncheon fundraiser on Sunday 29th March. Call my campaign managers (Mariya Yudkevich at 1-646-239-3951 and Wendy Washington at 1-718-857-0948) in order to secure tickets. It costs more at the door folks.
Stay tuned-in please; and send me a little money too: I want to win this race. LOL.