Deputy Comptroller and former Councilman Simcha Felder declared today his candidacy for State Senate in the Super-Jewish district in a sit-down with the Hamodia (a smart move to gain their support for a democratic candidacy, since the paper showed a clear bias to republicans in recent races and the editor personally supported Rick Santorum). Contrary reports that he considers a run on the republican line – he was reportedly encouraged to run as a republican by Majority leader Skelos - he will run as a democrat. His entrance jeopardize Skelos' strategy to pick up another seat by creating the Super-Jewish district.
Felder's candidacy on the democratic side will help him avoid a possible tough race with David Storobin – he already declared that he will seek the post if he wins the current fight to represent the 27th district, and even if he loses he might run again. Storobin enjoys an advantage of higher republican registration among Russians. Other possible candidates are Simcha’s predecessor Noach Dear, political operative Simcha Eichenstein, and Yoni Hikind. Another often mentioned possible candidate on the republican line is Chaskel Bannet, and Nachman Caller is also considering a bid for the seat.
Meanwhile Super-Jewish is closer to reality, after the court refused to strike down the 63rd district created by the republicans, but the order is being appealed. If the court decides that it's illegal, the map goes back to the drawing board, and the republicans may rip apart the super-Jewish district, since with Felder’s decision it may easily go democratic, defeating their plans for the district. Instead, they may satisfy the Russian demands for a district of their own.
Also, the court is scheduled to continue today the case of Fidler vs. Storobin, and Fidler is in a good position to take the lead. In that case, he already ruled out a campaign in the Super-Jewish, increasing the chances for Felder and others to win an open seat.
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Sporadic blogging - depending on time availability - of mostly political news of interest to the Jewish Orthodox Community in Brooklyn, particularly Williamsburgh, written by a Brooklyn Yungerman, immersed in Local politics, with a lot of inside stuff. Instead of checking the blog when something comes up, follow me on Twitter @opundit It’s time for some transparency on the political happenings in the Heimishe community!
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