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I just read a fascinating article by Liz Benjamin over on DN that Councilman Tony Avella is considering running against state senator Frank Padavan in liu of Genaro's decision not to seek a rematch. As the Field Director for Tony's mayoral campaign in NYC this past summer, I know firsthand that Tony would be a great candidate for the seat and could definitely win.
When asked by Liz on running for state senate against Padavan, here was Tony's response:
"There's a possibility, yes," Avella said. "There are discussions going on...I think it's appropriate. You know me, I've been a big reformer person, and Albany is certainly a place that's in need of reform. The incumbent, Frank Padavan, has been there for 37 years. Whether you like it or not, I think it's time for a change...There's no question he has his supporters. A lot of his supporters are my supporters."
As mentioned in the article, Tony did lose by a wide margin to Comptroller Bill Thompson for NYC mayor, but in the process, Tony raised his profile across the city. During the campaign, we were able to amass a volunteer army of over 300 people across the 5 boroughs, with plenty of support within his own Council district that covers much of Bayside and Whitestone.
So why would Tony beat Padavan when Genaro failed? Tony's council district is one of the most conservative in all of NYC and his council seat was held by a Republican before Tony beat him. In this past November election, a Republican candidate won the general election. There is quite a lot of support among Republicans and Independents w/in his district who voted for Tony during his city council elections, and many of those same people volunteered for the Avella mayoral campaign. Tony would be able to take a larger percentage of the vote among Republican and Independent voters in that senate district, in addition to taking the Democratic voters. Tony's "outsider" personality as a member of the City Council made him hugely popular w/in his district.
Tony's biggest obstacle will be getting the support of the Democratic establishment on board. If he can do that and clear the primary field, he could definitely beat Padavan and be an excellent addition to the State Senate. Avella is not the biggest fan of Padavan and without any viable contenders stepping forward yet in the district, Tony's name should jump to the front of the pack.
Tony is a progressive Democrat, having sponsored gay marriage legislation in the city council, led the fight in the city council against rezoning projects that undermined neighborhoods, and is a friend of labor (he was backed by WFP in his city council elections). He is a tireless campaigner who cannot be bought by lobbyists or special interests- in fact during his campaign he refused to take money from real estate developers and lobbyists, even when the campaign was tight on cash.
Although other Democratic candidates may not even have as much success as Genaro did because of the Obama voting effect, Tony would not have that same problem. Avela loves being a public official and is looking for the next big challenge. Run Tony Run! |
