May 15, 2008
Spitzer's approach could backfire
Despite his commanding lead in the race for governor, it appears Eliot Spitzer is trying to squash the underdog threat from fellow Democrat Thomas Suozzi - a strategy some think plays into Suozzi's hands.
Spitzer, the state attorney general, has advocated easier access to the ballot for candidates in New York in the past.
But this week he signaled that he would resist efforts by Suozzi, the Nassau County executive, to get onto a primary ballot for governor at the party convention in May - instead forcing Suozzi into a costly petition drive to collect at least 15,000 signatures statewide. Assemb. Herman "Denny" Farrell, the state Democratic chairman, indicated that he supports Spitzer's position.
"Do we want to do the guy any favors?" a Spitzer aide said. "The level of support for us is very high."
Related links
In the past, party leaders have made exceptions to a rule requiring candidates to win 25 percent of convention votes for a ballot spot - but not this year. Suozzi said he would attend the convention anyway.
"This latest effort to try and discourage me makes me more convinced than ever that I'm on the right track," he said.
Spitzer gathered signatures in his losing 1994 primary for attorney general. In a 2001 report, he said no other state "imposes such hurdles" to ballot access. He proposed that state legislators make changes.
Some observers said Spitzer has given Suozzi more ammunition to campaign as an outsider. "It looks like you're using the machinery of the organization to crush this guy who's nowhere near you in the polls," one longtime Democrat said.
Copyright © 2008, Newsday Inc.
Our Town
What are your favorite areas of town? Got some great pics you want to share?