Sen. Carl Kruger’s resignation and admission that he took close to $1 million in bribes from deep-pocketed lobbyists and developers leaves a big vacancy in Brooklyn’s political world — and at least three people are angling to step into the democrat’s shoes. Here’s a breakdown of their chances:
Councilman Lew Fidler (D–Marine Park), 2–1:. Fidler’s been quietly eyeing the seat since the feds indicted Kruger in March. He evaded questions about a run on Tuesday, but promised to make his plans known in the near future.
Fidler’s already amassed more than $331,000 for his campaign, according to state Board of Election records. He’s also made an early pitch for the Orthodox vote — buying ads in newspapers last week outlining how much council money he’s earmarked to Jewish organizations over the years.
David Storobin, vice-chairman of the Brooklyn Republican Party, 3–1: A lawyer who’s attacked Kruger’s dealings with Brighton Beach’s Russian community in the past, Storobin is expected to be the GOP candidate for the seat. He hasn’t raised any money, according to the state board of elections, but he hoped to cash in on some of the pro-Republican fervor in the district that helped get Rep. Bob Turner elected to Congress in November.
Igor Oberman, Borough President Markowitz’s liaison to Russian community, 8–1: Oberman was gunning for Kruger in 2010, but dropped out of the race just before the primary election. Since then the Russian-born judge has been beefing up his political credentials by working for Markowitz. But Oberman hasn’t raised any money since his 2010 campaign, according to the state Board of Elections.
Reach reporter Thomas Tracy at ttracy@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2525.
