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campaign announcements

By Colin Campbell 2/23 9:14am

campaign announcements

Hill Krishnan

Hill Krishnan Kicks Off Upper East Side Council Campaign [Video]

Hill Krishnan, an adjunct professor at New York University, formally kicked off his campaign for Councilwoman Jessica Lappin’s seat last night. Although Ms. Lappin is not term-limited out, she is expected to make a campaign for Manhattan Borough President in 2013, leaving her seat open for aspiring Upper East Side pols.

Mr. Krishnan relied heavily his immigrant experience in his speech.

“Ten years ago I was just like one of those immigrants who came to this country with a single suitcase and a strong hope,” he explained. “For all of the opportunities that New York has given to me, I didn’t know how to say ‘thank you.’ But, I do now. And that is why I stand before you today.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 2/21 4:12pm

campaign announcements

Pat Maher (Photo: Facebook)

Pat Maher to Run for Nassau State Senate Seat

Pat Maher, a former Democratic Congressional candidate whose 2010 biography described her as “the Director of Development and Community Relations for a not-for-profit health care foundation covering Long Island,” told The Politicker this afternoon she intends to run against one of two Republican State Senators, Kemp Hannon or Jack Martins, this year. This could set up a competitive Democratic primary as there is already a Democratic candidate, Ryan Cronin, running against Mr. Hannon.

“I’m committed, but I’m not committed as to which race,” Mr. Maher said, indicating her decision will be made based on how New York’s chaotic redistricting process works itself out. Read More

By Colin Campbell 2/15 5:10pm

campaign announcements

John Mancuso (Photo: Facebook)

John Mancuso to Formally Announce Malliotakis Challenge Tomorrow

John Mancuso, an owner of a Staten Island catering business active in Democratic politics, will kick off his race against freshman GOP Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis tomorrow evening, his campaign announced. City & State had originally reported Mr. Mancuso was eyeing the race, but tomorrow marks the official firing off point for what will be one of the few competitive assembly races in New York City this year.

“I’m a fourth generation Staten Islander,” Mr. Mancuso told The Politicker this evening, professing his love for Staten Island and Brooklyn. “Right now the 60th Assembly District is not getting what it deserves.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 1/28 4:52pm

campaign announcements

Andrew Gounardes announces his campaign

Andrew Gounardes Declares for State Senate [Video]

Andrew Gounardes, a 26-year-old attorney and official in the local Bay Ridge Democrats club, formally declared his candidacy to run against Brooklyn’s only Republican State Senator, Marty Golden, this afternoon.

“Our state government still lacks the accountability, transparency, and honesty that we deserve. And worst of all, some of the politicians we’ve elected to office and entrusted with our votes, aren’t doing much about it,” he said early in his speech. Read More

By Colin Campbell 1/24 2:41pm

campaign announcements

Benjamin Kallos (Photo: Facebook)

Benjamin Kallos to Run for Upper East Side Council Seat

Benjamin Kallos, an attorney and consultant, said in an interview today that will seek the seat currently held by Democratic Councilwoman Jessica Lappin. Councilwoman Lappin is thought to be running for Manhattan Borough President, where the incumbent, Scott Stringer, is expected to run for Mayor.

Should that set of dominoes fall in place, Mr. Kallos stated he “absolutely” will campaign for the seat and has already opened a 2013 campaign committee for the endeavor. Read More

By Colin Campbell 1/19 1:04am

campaign announcements

Mark Murphy

Mark Murphy Announces Congressional Run in Staten Island [Video]

Mark Murphy declared he would run against Republican Congressman Michael Grimm last night, shooting regular barbs at his rival throughout his speech. Before a crowd of Staten Island Democrats, he made his intentions about as clear as they could get: “I am Mark Murphy, and I am running for Congress.”

While outlining a promise to create jobs, Mr. Murphy, a former aide to Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, engaged Congressman Grimm directly. “My opponent might like to fire people, but let me tell you something,” he said, seizing upon one of Mr. Grimm’s statements that Democrats view as a gaffe. “I like to hire people, and I want to put America back to work now.”

Mr. Murphy also accused the Republican of lacking proactive initiatives. “I believe in finding ways to vote ‘yes’ – not just saying ‘no’ — in moving our country forward to build a better and brighter future for middle class in Staten Island and in Brooklyn,” he said in an early part of his speech. Read More

By Colin Campbell 1/16 2:54pm

campaign announcements

Lew Fidler on the steps of City Hall.

Lew Fidler Announces for State Senate Special [Video]

Councilman Lew Fidler formally announced today that he would be running for the special election to replace Carl Kruger in the State Senate on the Democratic and Independence Party lines, setting the stage for what looks likely to be the most exciting race happening this year before the regularly scheduled elections this summer. Speaking on the steps of City Hall, Councilman Fidler showed off his ability to draw out supporters by amassing a plethora of sign-waving fans and elected officials.

“Let’s be honest, in the last year, the citizens of southern Brooklyn in particular have had their confidence jolted twice,” Councilman Fidler began, referencing the corruption charges that brought down Mr. Kruger and former Congressman Anthony Weiner’s problems with Twitter. “Certainly by his own admission, Senator Kruger has committed acts that violated the public trust, in quite frankly despicable ways.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 1/15 3:41pm

campaign announcements

Hakeem Jeffries announces for Congress.

Hakeem Jeffries Announces Congressional Run [Video]

Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries announced his campaign for Congress amid frigid temperatures and a large cheering crowd this afternoon, setting the stage for what will be one of the most high-profile Democratic primaries this election cycle. Standing on the steps of Brooklyn’s Borough Hall, Assemblyman Jeffries outlined his Congressional pitch in short punctual sentences, pausing before concluding “We deserve more!” after each line of thought, a slogan also repeated on the campaign signs behind him.

“Washington is broken. Congress is dysfunctional. People are suffering. We deserve more!” he declared. “All throughout the neighborhoods of the 10th Congressional District, there are individuals in significant distress. There are children who are trapped in a failed public school system. There are families in desperate need of affordable housing. We have too many guns, and too few jobs. We deserve more!”

The Assemblyman’s announcement places him on a collision course against veteran Congressman Ed Towns and Councilman Charles Barron. Congressman Towns has successfully faced competitive primaries in the past, but Assemblyman Jeffries, who’s considered a rising star in the Democratic Party, could provide the most serious challenge yet to the 20-year incumbent. Read More

By Colin Campbell 1/12 4:25pm

campaign announcements

Councilman Fidler (Photo: Facebook)

Lew Fidler to Announce for State Senate Monday Afternoon

Democratic Councilman Lew Fidler will announce his intentions to run for the special election to replace Carl Kruger in the State Senate at 1pm next Monday. In an email to supporters, the campaign makes it crystal clear that this will be the official announcement event. “At 1 pm, he’s officially announcing his candidacy for the State Senate on the steps of City Hall,” they write.

“But this is much more than an official announcement. It’s a clear, loud and resounding message to the press, to the district and to the world that the community – the whole community – stands with Lew. But that message will only be as loud, clear and resounding as is the size of the group of you we have there. ” Read More

By Colin Campbell 1/08 12:35pm

campaign announcements

Chris Banks

Chris Banks Announces Assembly Run Against Inez Barron

Chris Banks, who founded the antipoverty group East New York United Concerned Citizens, Inc., announced intentions to run against Assemblywoman Inez Barron in front of a Brooklyn barber shop Saturday morning. “We have longed for leadership that respects your opinion. We have longed for leadership that is accountable,” Mr. Banks said to the cheers from the relatively sizable crowd. “We need new leadership in this community.”

One of Mr. Bank’s supporters suggested paying attention to the campaign disclosure reports that will be soon coming out. “The real story will be next week, after the filing,” he said, alluding to the possibility that the incumbent Assemblywoman’s fundraising would be more questionable. Read More