| In the 3rd Senate District, Democrats will have a great primary fight on their hands as Jimmy Dahroug will take on Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian Foley for the Democratic nomination. We saw Foley officially announce his candidacy yesterday with support from Sen. Craig Johnson, Rep. Steve Israel and Rep. Timothy Bishop.
Today, Dahroug sent an e-mail to supporters asking them to help his campaign. In that e-mail, he also took a subtle jab at Foley's candidacy.
In a more perfect world, I would be contacting you today to ask for your help in defeating the Republican majority in Albany. But as many of you have heard, we now have a Democratic primary for the State Senate race in District 3.
Literally 30 minutes before the Suffolk County Democratic Convention, Brian Foley announced to me that he was throwing his hat into the ring for this race. This news also came as a surprise to local activists and Democratic Party leaders.
I'm sure the Republicans in Albany let out a big cheer when they heard the announcement. After all, Brian's last-minute entry into the race is certain to distract voters from our real opponent: Senator Trunzo and the Republican majority in the Senate.
Even if it isn't a wise choice, Brian has every right to run. It may mean just a bit more effort on our part, but such is the small price for democracy. With your help, we can - and will - win the Primary.
I like Jimmy. I really do. I stood up for him when Republican-turned-Democrat Chris Bodkin thought about running, but decided against it.
I said before that Foley makes this a top-tier race, but for more reasons than just the possibility of a Foley-Sen. Caesar Trunzo showdown. If Dahroug can beat Foley in the primary, he should be seen as a very strong candidate if he can beat the likes of Foley. In the event of such a victory, these same Democrats who are backing Foley should get behind Dahroug. Because if Dahroug can beat Foley, he can beat Trunzo.
You can't, however, make it seem as if because you have a primary, it ruins your chances to beat the Republican. When you say things like the GOP "let out a big cheer", that's not good. In fact, I believe that worrying so much about your primary opponent makes you look weak and makes you look as if you are worried. I hope Dahroug isn't heading down such a road.
Foley brings a lot to this race and makes it a very competitive one for Democrats. Dahroug will just have to work harder. If he wins, he will be stronger because of it. |
