....June 15, 5:45 PM
 
 
   
Political Heat

Assembly candidate Grace Meng sure looks like the Dems’ choice in this Puerto Rican Day Parade photo with Lt. Guv candidate David Patterson, Guv candidate Eliot Spitzer and former Dem Mayoral candidate Freddy Ferrer.

Two weeks ago we told you that the political season was beginning to heat up and we pointed to a number of races that were likely to produce fireworks. Since then, Dem Councilman Hiram Monserrate has announced his candidacy against Dem State Senator John Sabini in his Jackson Heights district with a large a Latino vote. Both men have been in rough and tumble races previously with some pretty wild accusations suggesting that real fireworks may be seen coming up to the September Democratic Primary.

Incumbent Sabini is a longtime party regular with a streak of independence. Monserrate won his seat against the Queens Democratic organization, seems more closely allied to the regular Dems in the Bronx, has effectively worked within his party as a Councilman, and has never been afraid to stand up and challenge the strong Queens organization including threats to challenge Congressman Joe Crowley.

The Democratic Primary for the 13th Senate District may be the best show in town this summer.

One of the other races we pointed to for the heat we expected it to generate, was the battle for the 22nd Assembly District seat. Four candidates have indicated they are circulating petitions for the seat being vacated by freshman Assemblyman Jimmy Meng.

Ellen Young, with the backing of her political rabbi, Councilman John Liu, has won the backing of the Democratic regulars; Attorney Grace Meng, who gained experience as her father’s chief operative; the 86-year old former Assembly member, former Councilmember and one of the borough’s senior political players Julia Harrison; and Korean leader Terrence Park will certainly produce summer heat.

Meng has quickly shown her verve, grabbing photo ops with a batch of big-time regular Dems. This week, her organization has disseminated pictures taken with Dem Gubernatorial candidate Eliot Spitzer, Lt. Guv candidate Dem Senate Leader David Patterson, former Dem Mayoral candidate Freddy Ferrer, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Councilmember David Weprin, Assemblyman Mark Weprin. And those are the ones we viewed today.

Grace Meng has in this first week of petitioning out- positioned her rivals. But September is a long way off and we watch for the sizzle in this one.

Stay tuned for the political battles this summer; you’ll find it sizzling right here.

Michael Schenkler can be reached via this contact form.

 
 
Ackerman Protests Cuts
By MICHAEL SCHENKLER

They speak for themselves: New York City postcards. They’ve been around for years for visitors from the Big Apple to send from the famous landmarks and icons of the world’s greatest city. Last week, Congressman Gary Ackerman sent 11 vintage New York City postcards to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff in response to the recent 40 percent slashing of New York City’s funding.

Chertoff defended his outrageous position by saying that New York lacked national landmarks and icons.

Ackerman and other elected New York members of Congress are sending Chertoff postcards from famous New York landmarks to, according to Ackerman, help the Secretary “understand that New York City still remains the No. 1 target for terrorists, cutting funds now only makes us more susceptible to attack. The federal government must continue to put its resources where there is the highest probability of an attack; it’s just common sense.”

The postcards Ackerman sent from his personal collection of vintage 20th century post cards read:

Empire State Building: “Even an ape could find it.”
Ever hear of Times Square? It’s where the year begins! In N.Y.!

The New York Stock Exchange! An American Landmark!
Trinity Church, NYC: George Washington prayed here upon being sworn in as America’s first President! Landmark!
Historical Landmark, the Flatiron Building in N.Y.!
The Times Building: wish you were here: an American Landmark!

New York City, Icons R Us!

Greeting from Grace Church, N.Y.C., a landmark.
St. John the Divine. American Landmark, N.Y.C.
The Bowne House in Flushing, N.Y. where the “Flushing Remonstrance” was signed declaring religious freedom in America. A N.Y. American icon and landmark! Wish you were here.

To send postcards to Chertoff:
Secretary Michael Chertoff,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C. 20528

Not4Publication.com by Dom Nunziato
Michael Schenkler can be reached via this contact form.