Political observers and campaign staffers are still talking about Senator Chuck Schumer’s endorsement of Steve Levin for City Council in the 33rd District, and the timing of Rep. Carolyn Maloney’s (D-Upper East Side, Queens) announcement that she would not challenge Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) in a Democratic primary next year.
Levin has worked as chief of staff for Assemblymember and Kings County Democratic boss Vito Lopez. He has the legislator’s support in the fight to replace City Councilmember David Yassky.
Schumer said that a number of factors, including Levin’s record on affordable housing and his relationship with Senator Carl Levin, Levin’s cousin, led to his endorsement decision.Maloney remarked that Lopez had nothing to do with her decision to leave the race.
At least one thing is clear: Gillibrand appeared welcome at the Sunken Meadows senior picnic on August 20, an annual gathering for senior citizens and Democratic political leaders hosted by the Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council. Councilmember Domenic Recchia (D-Coney Island), one of Gillibrand’s biggest political backers, was seen shepherding Gillibrand around the park grounds, shaking hands with thousands of seniors.
