| In late September, Anthony Fumerelle, who was then running for Congress in the 26th congressional district on the Independence Party line, was nominated for a judgeship - in Queens. Of course, no one saw anything wrong with that. That freed up the Independence Party line. The Independence Party didn't contact Alice Kryzan, who was riding high after an upset victory in the Democratic primary. Instead, the Independence Party gave their line to Republican Chris Lee.
At the time, I saw a lot wrong with how easy it was for Fumerelle to get nominated and within moments, it seemed, Lee was able to get on the line.
Compare that with today's announcement that Jon Powers will remain on the Working Families Party line, robbing Kryzan of a minor party line of her own. By all accounts, Lee's awarding of the IP line went without incident. However, when the WFP line was going to be awarded to Kryzan, the Republicans decided to create a scene and challenge that.
Here are the facts:
(A) Jon Powers no longer lives in New York. The judge in this case admits that, but also contends that Powers living in Washington only means that he will not be in New York on Election Day. What? If a person no longer has a residency in New York, how can you make such a contention? It's not as if he had dual residencies. He's in D.C. now. That's where he is living.
(B) The judge also made this argument: "However, upon his nomination, he accepted the nomination. He did not decline the nomination, nor were there any challenges to his nomination." I believe the same could be said for Fumerelle, am I correct? Upon his nomination, he accepted the nomination. He did not decline it. The deal to get him off the ballot didn't take place until 16 days after Primary Day. So why doesn't the court review that as well?
(C) Bob McCarthy of the News says that this is a blow to Kryzan. I don't think it is. Late last month, Powers was only polling at five percent. I can't imagine he's polling any better now. In fact, I'm sure his numbers have dropped. Even with his name on the ballot, I can't see too many people voting for him. Unless, of course, they want to waste their vote.
(D) Lastly, this is what the Republicans wanted. Yes, Powers isn't polling well and will be a non-factor. But they know that people will vote for Powers. If the race is close, that could mean Powers serves as a spoiler, helping Lee. This decision only helps the GOP and Chris Lee. This decision does rob voters of the 26th district from having another line to support Alice Kryzan on.
This is an absurd decision and the rationale given by the judge for her decision boggles my mind. Nevertheless, we will push forward and I urge fellow citizens of the 26th district to vote for Alice Kryzan on the Democratic line. This is the kind of politics Tom Reynolds and Chris Lee adhere to. Let's keep Chris Lee away from Washington D.C. We don't need another Tom Reynolds. We need new, responsible leadership from a true progressive. That candidate is Alice Kryzan. |
