| It wasn't too long ago that Sen. Martin Connor was the minority leader in the New York State Senate.
Now, he is facing a primary challenge from Dan Squadron and Squadron has an important backer in his corner: Sen. Chuck Schumer.
Liz has the details.
Veteran Brooklyn State Sen. Marty Connor said he was shocked when Schumer informed him during a rural Democrats' event in Saratoga Springs on Saturday that Schumer will back his former aide and political neophyte, Daniel Squadron, against Connor this fall.
According to Connor, Schumer, speaking in "a cold voice," informed the former state Senate minority leader: "You weren't there when I needed you; I owe you nothing."
At issue was Connor's 1998 endorsement of then-Rep. Schumer's U.S. Senate primary opponent, Geraldine Ferraro. Schumer went on to win the primary that year and oust Republican Sen. Alfonse D'Amato in the general election.
"Chuck's so powerful now he thinks he can go back and get even with everyone who slighted him over the last 10 years," said a miffed Connor, whose encounter with Schumer was seen by several Democrats and independently confirmed by one of them.
I don't know if that's the reason. Squadron is, after all, a former Schumer aide. I'm sure the Connor endorsement a decade ago certainly hasn't been good for Schumer-Connor relations, but Squadron being in this race has given Schumer a good reason to support someone else.
Squadron has received the Working Families Party endorsement which will help him in this race. If he wins the primary, which is a strong possibility (especially with Schumer's support), he will be a lock to become the new senator in SD-25.
ON THE WEB:
Contribute to Squadron's campaign. |
