Monday, April 29, 2013

Queens GOP dumps Halloran, backs Saffran; 2 other candidates enter race

From Crains:

The longtime former chief-of-staff for Republican Councilman Daniel Halloran is looking to run for her old boss' seat—as a Democrat. The councilman was recently hit with bribery allegations, setting off a free-for-all for his post.

Chrissy Voskerichian, who had a reputation as extremely loyal to Mr. Halloran but quit soon after the scandal hit, registered a campaign committee Friday to raise money for a possible run. In an interesting twist, a knowledgeable Queens source said, unlike Mr. Halloran, Ms. Voskerichian is registered as a Democrat and was expected to enter a crowded Democratic primary. Her voter registration status as a Democrat was noted in a 2011 Queens Chronicle profile.

"You could say she's more of a conservative Democrat. She's probably got a good shot, since she's well respected and knows everyone in the community," said the Queens source, who is not affiliated with any Democratic campaign.


Also from Crains:

The Queens Republican Party is officially dumping embattled Republican Councilman Daniel Halloran.

A Queens GOP screening committee voted unanimously Thursday evening to instead back the candidacy of Dennis Saffran, an attorney who lost a 2001 race for the same seat by a mere 400 votes, for the northeast Queens seat held by Mr. Halloran, according to party chairman Phil Ragusa. The Queens GOP's executive committee is all but certain to follow suit next Tuesday.

"[Halloran] is a Republican, and he can decide whether or not he wants to run. I can't say whether he's innocent or guilty," said Mr. Ragusa. "But he's got a cloud hanging over his head. He's got to make up his own mind, but I don't think it would be a good idea."

The bribery scandal also ensnared former Queens GOP executive vice-chairman Vincent Tabone, who has since been replaced by former Councilman Anthony Como. Mr. Tabone is accused of accepting a cash bribe. It's unclear whether Mr. Halloran will try to run for re-election. He did not return a request for comment.


From the Queens Chronicle:

A City Council candidate’s long-rumored run was made official this week, as John Duane formally kicked off his campaign after months of fundraising and behind-the-scenes legwork.

The Little Neck resident spent one term in the state Assembly nearly three decades ago and is making a second push for public office since that initial stint in Albany. (Duane lost to Ed Braunstein for the 26th Assembly District seat in 2010.)

Duane said his drive to represent the people of Northeast Queens has not diminished since his long-ago stint in Albany, and in fact has only grown.

“I certainly know the struggles my neighbors have had, and I’ve had them as well,” the Democrat said. “I’ve spent my whole life serving my community.”

The 59-year-old often portrays his candidacy and potential stint in the City Council as a time of bridge-building and nuts-and-bolts legislating. Transportation, education and public safety top his priorities list, as well as veterans issues. The latter concern distinguishes him from his potential opponents.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chrissy is as big a liar as Halloran is.
No wonder she's always kissed his ass.
They're two of a kind.

However, this cur knows no loyalty but to herself, and her own driving ambitions.

I'd rather see Saffran win, if it comes to that.

Ms. "V" is strictly mediocre without any brand name recognition.
Shell wind up getting only a few votes.

Ben Dover said...

Hubba, hubba!
I'd like her to be chief of my staff!

Maybe she'll go far in politics with that mouth.

Anonymous said...

Daily News reported a week or two ago that Kevin Kim is also considering another run for that job. I'm leaning toward either Paul Graziano or John Duane.

Paul Watchtower said...

So Dennis does this mean you agreed to support Phil and disavow any relationship with Eric Ulrich and those who want Phil to resign?

Paul Watchtower said...

Ragusa, The Chairman did and that is verified through multiple State Committee. Not one, two or three.

Paul Watchtower said...

Is it not true that State Committee people were told specific information about running. Such as stay away from other factions of the party?

Anonymous said...

READ: wsj,"case spurred bribery probe"4/3/2013.

Anonymous said...

Halloran was on Channel 2 News tonight. Marsha Kramer interviewed him about the rumor that he had two liaisons with staff members. His response was moronic. He's a lawyer. He should not have said anything. He sounded stupid.

Chris Quinn will have the Ethics Committee investigate the matter.

Oh well.

Anonymous said...

Looks like tomorrow's NY Post Cover will feature Halloran.

OMG!

Anonymous said...

So, I was looking at Dan's website tonight and decided to poke around. Look what I found, when you click the link to Donate to Dan and it takes you to a page where you can donate to Chrissy for Council:

https://secure.piryx.com/donate/GzLml4vz/Halloran-2013/

So someone should ask her, Chrissy...are you just a stalking horse for Dan Halloran?

Anonymous said...

NO!!! Chrissy lies and as Halloran's chief she was either too stupid to know what was going on or in on it. Either way hell no!!!!!

Anonymous said...

NO!!! Chrissy lies and as Halloran's chief she was either too stupid to know what was going on or in on it. Either way hell no!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I went on Dan Halloran's website if you click "Donate to Dan" it goes right to Donate to Chrissy. WTF??? I guess if you're stupid enough to support one of them you'd be stupid enough to support the other. Birds of a feather.....

Anonymous said...

I went on Dan Halloran's website if you click "Donate to Dan" it goes right to Donate to Chrissy. WTF??? I guess if you're stupid enough to support one of them you'd be stupid enough to support the other. Birds of a feather.....

Anonymous said...

Maybe Dan has already made a "donation" to Chrissy.
The Halloran sperm bank opens at 9:00 AM sharply.

With this mentally ill pervert, anything is possible.

Now comes the critical question.

Which machine candidate benefits from the holding of a special election when Dan gets bounced from his seat?

H-m-m-m-m, be careful, all you voters out there!

Anonymous said...

Sperm bank?
WTF..it's rumored that he shoots blanks.

That could explain a lot if it's true.

How could he get it up in the first place, with all the booze in his system?

Very, very, very sad!

Anonymous said...

LOL!
Dan Halloran and Arnold Schwartzenegger vie for the starring role in "The Sperminator".

Anonymous said...

Safran vz Shafran and Erlich vz Ulrich

Anonymous said...

Is it true that Chrissy is also seeking a divorce?

Anonymous said...

Halloran ain't running...
but maybe he thinks he can still run things from behind the scenes through Chrissy.

Fat chance she has of winning.
Now if she were a Democrat...maybe she could go around the table and blow the whole clubhouse.

Then they might support her for a district leader's spot.
Wadda ya think?

Anonymous said...

Halloran ain't running...
but maybe he thinks he can still run things from behind the scenes through Chrissy.

Fat chance she has of winning.
Now if she were a Democrat...maybe she could go around the table and blow the whole clubhouse.

Then they might support her for a district leader's spot.
Wadda ya think?



Chrissy IS a registered Democrat. Your scenario might actually take place, which is frightening.

Anonymous said...

Saffran was a Clinton-Spitzer Democrat just like Castratomitis and Herman Thermous. Saffran worked for the Clinton FTC and then succeeded Spitzer in running the New York wing of the anti-libertarian Center for Community Interest.