: 1216390743

Queens politicians up for re-election in 2008 will likely have to fight to retain their seats, as a recently released document reveals there are a bevy of challengers hoping to slip into their positions.

One of the more interesting challenges comes from former Councilman Allan W. Jennings Jr., a Democrat who will take on Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) for the 10th District Seat. Huntley is currently finishing up her first term.

Those with knowledge of Queens politics may remember Jennings for some of his more outlandish activities. In 2005, during his first and only term in office, the City Council censured him after two female subordinates accused him of sexual harassment. Later, he was notified his wages were being garnished by the Council because he failed to pay a $5,000 fine imposed after its investigation found he had harassed the women.

Jennings also threw a hunk of metal into the back of a news reporter who had set up to do a story outside the home of the councilman.

Jennings lost his re-election bid for that seat. He also failed at an attempt to run against Huntley in 2006.

Asked whether she considered Jennings a threat, Huntley said, “A race is a race. You always have to be cautious when you have a race.”

She said she hoped voters would take note of both her and her challenger’s political history.

“I’ll get out there and work and run on my record. I have a very good one,” she said. “I’m hoping Allan will run on his.”

Jennings did not return a call by press time.

Over in Assembly District 34, Rep. Ivan Lafayette (D-Jackson Heights) announced Tuesday he would not seek re-election. Fellow Democrat Marlene Tapper is currently the only other name besides Lafayette’s listed on the filing sheet, though the nominating committee that put Lafayette’s name forward will have the opportunity to find a replacement.

Published reports indicate he is leaving the seat to take a government job.

In the 16th Senate District, Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) will face a primary challenge from Robert Schwartz. The winner of that race will go on to face Republican Peter Koo.

In the 15th Senate District, Democrats Joseph Addabbo Jr. and Albert Baldeo will battle it out to see who will go on to challenge incumbent Sen. Serphin Maltese (R-Glendale).

Sen. George Onorato (D-Astoria) will not face a primary, though he will face a challenge in November from Republican Thomas Dooley.

And in the 11th Senate District, Councilman James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) will challenge incumbent Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose) for his seat.

In the State Assembly, Grace Meng will challenge Ellen Young (D-Flushing) in a Democratic primary in Assembly District 22. Michele Titus (D-Far Rockaway) will square off in a primary against challenger Donovan Richards Jr.

In November, incumbent Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park) will face a challenge from Republican Gerald Sullivan, Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) will run against John Haggerty Jr. and Margaret Markey (D-Maspeth) will run against Anthony Nunziato.

On the federal level, U.S. Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica) will face a challenge in a primary from Ruben Wills of St. Albans and U.S. Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Woodside) will see primary challenges from Dennis Coleman and Jose Serrano (though not the Jose Serrano currently serving as a State Senator for the 28th Senate District). Congressman Anthony Wiener (D-Kew Gardens) will face a challenge from Republican Alfred Donahue.

The only City Council race affecting Queens will be between incumbent Councilman Anthony Como (R-Middle Village) and Democrat Elizabeth Crowley.

Candidates filing in the races could be challenged for removal if they have not collected the appropriate number of signatures and have their name removed from the ballot.