Barry Grodenchik
Then there were five. Or, soon, four?
Former Democratic candidate Barry Grodenchik dropped his bid for borough president last week, following the Queens Democratic Party’s decision to throw its support behind former Councilwoman Melinda Katz. Grodenchik’s exit leaves five Democrats vying to replace outgoing Borough President Helen Marshall – Katz, who also landed Grodenchik’s endorsement after he bid his own campaign adieu, state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Jackson Heights), and Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria).
And, according to political insiders, the crowded field may soon lose another candidate – Comrie. While Comrie’s campaign could not be reached for comment, the councilman from southeast Queens is reportedly being pressured to drop out of the race. His campaign has received a number of blows lately, including being passed over by the Queens Democratic Party and the influential Rev. Floyd Flake, who leads the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral – a Jamaica institution that boasts more than 20,000 members – for endorsement. Flake instead backed Katz, a former councilwoman from Forest Hills, in a move that surprised Comrie. After Katz’s campaign issued a press release stating Flake had thrown his support behind her bid for office, Comrie questioned its accuracy and said the pastor had told him he did not plan to endorse anyone.
“I know a lot of people who thought Leroy was going to be the one – the borough president – at one point,” said a source close to the situation who wished to remain nameless. “I think a lot of people are surprised that he’s not going further than he is. People are talking to him about dropping out… Leroy was probably done after the Floyd endorsement.”
The Queens Democratic Party – led by U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx) – announced last Monday it was backing Katz, and Grodenchik said on Wednesday that he was abandoning his bid and would resume his former job as deputy borough president.
“Queens is the most diverse place on planet earth, so our next borough president must be able to bring different communities and groups together behind one coalition to create jobs, improve education, provide quality healthcare for all working families, and continue the important work of recovery from Hurricane Sandy,” Grodenchik said in a prepared statement. “I’ve seen Melinda’s great work over the years, and there is no doubt in my mind that she has the skills and the dedication to be a great borough president.”
Grodenchik, who had represented such neighborhoods as Flushing and Murray Hill in the state Assembly, lagged behind several of the candidates in fundraising. Grodenchik had raised a little more than $151,000 – whereas Vallone leads the group of candidates with $1,036,730, and Katz places second with $484,693, according to the most recent filing with the city Campaign Finance Board. Peralta has secured a little more than $300,000 in donations. Avella, who represents northeast Queens in the state Senate, has raised the least amount, with $57,221, and Comrie has landed the second least amount with close to $146,000.
Grodenchik’s absence from the race is expected to boost Katz’s campaign, as the strong backing Grodenchik had garnered in the Orthodox Jewish community could translate into support for Katz. The former candidate had landed the endorsement of Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Beach), Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz (D-Flushing) and former Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn (D-Flushing). He had also landed endorsements from former Public Advocate Mark Green and the Flushing-based IBEW Local 3, which is the largest union in Queens. None of those who endorsed Grodenchik have said whether they plan to endorse another candidate.
By Anna Gustafson
