Moving East Depending on whom you ask, the effect of former Senator Bill Bradleyís 2-to-1 defeat in the Iowa caucuses on his chances in the New Hampshire primary range from minor to troublesome. "Anybody who looks at the Iowa caucuses with any level of objectivity would realize that it is indicative of almost nothing because it's not a vote -- it's a caucus," said Councilmember Herb Berman, a Bradley supporter. "Whoever has the organizational ability to turn people out an a given night could be successful. In New York, if we were to do the same thing, political clubs would show untoward strength, but that's not necessarily the will of the electorate."

Some experts believe that Iowa is the first test of electability, even though the state is largely home to white, older Americans who do not reflect the larger diversity of the country. "I donít think (Bradley's) defeat in Iowa stands to help him a whole lot, but very often New Hampshire behaves independently of Iowa," said Jeff Feldman of the Kings County Democratic Party, which is backing Gore. One possibility is that the independent voters in New Hampshire, which represent the crucial swing block for both parties because they can vote either way, may believe that Bradley has little chance to win, especially because he spent so much time and money in Iowa and still lost handily. Accordingly, they may be dissuaded from voting for Bradley and focus their attention instead on Senator John McCain, who completely ignored the Hawkeye State. "Obviously it's a matter of concern where the independent vote goes," said Berman. "McCain has proven himself attractive among independents, and there is a concern that he will take independent votes from Bradley, but that was a matter of concern before the Iowa caucuses took place."

Feldman could not see Bradley votes jumping ship after Iowa. "It's been a while since Iíve tromped in the snow in New Hampshire, but it seems a little far-fetched that someone would jump the chasm from Bradley to McCain," he said. However, Feldman said that Bradley may be finished by March 7, when multiple states, including New York hold their primaries. "It is entirely possible that when we count the votes on Super Tuesday, Bill Bradley will be a fond memory," he said. "Thatís like saying he may be dead next week," countered Berman. "It's possible, but it's not likely."

Koch Endorses Clarke Former Mayor Ed Koch has endorsed Councilmember Una Clarke in her race against Rep. Major Owens. Clarke, who is term-limited, had shared a working relationship with Owens until she decided to run for his seat a few months ago. At one point, Clarke and Owens were close allies, and Owens is not shy about describing his role in getting her elected to the City council in the first place. Owens calls Clarke's decision a naked betrayal; Clarke says that Owens is not adequately representing the growing Caribbean-American community in the 11th Congressional District; and Owens counters by saying that Clarke's candidacy and its potential to split the African-American and Caribbean-American constituencies is like "dynamite in the community."

Assemblymember Clarence Norman, chair of the county's executive committee, was unable to convince Clarke not to run. Norman is wont to see Owens' 16 years of Congressional experience replaced with Clarke's zero, especially at a time when the Democrats are trying to retake the House. If the Democratic Party is successful in that goal, Owens could be chair of a subcommittee. Norman also does not want the black caucus to replace a senior Brooklyn member with a rookie. Unable to make peace between the two candidates, Norman has endorsed Owens. But Clarke has not relented, and she has been showing up in a host of places outside of her council district. Koch's endorsement gives her some additional cache and a shot in the arm.

"Citywide, it lets everyone know she has appeal," said Richard Alleyne, a Clarke aide. "An endorsement from him is key not just for the particular district but citywide." The endorsement will be officially announced sometime in March, said Alleyne, although no firm date has been set. Koch will be present at the announcement.

Reaching Out Manhattan Assemblymember Scott Stringer, a candidate for public advocate, recently surfaced in Brooklyn, plying the ear of Assemblymember Jim Brennan at a recent Brennan fundraiser. One source at the event said that Brennan had a good turnout, including Rep. Anthony Weiner, Rep. Major Owens and Rep. Nydia Velazquez. Councilmembers Ken Fisher and Una Clarke, State Senator Marty Markowitz and Public Advocate Mark Green also showed. None of the other candidates for public advocate, including Fran Reiter and Councilmembers Kathryn Freed and Stephen DiBrienza, attended the event.

DiBrienza and Brennan have a rivalry that extends to Brennanís club, the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, and its president, Jack Carroll, who ironically is a potential candidate for DiBrienzaís council seat. Stringer's presence at the fundraiser is especially intriguing because Brennan and DiBrienzaís districts overlap in many areas. "Stringer thinks he has a real shot at getting a cat's paw into DiBrienza's backcourt," said the source. "He seems to be the only one in that race whoís working Brennan."

According to the candidates' January filings, Reiter reported contributions of almost $334,000, Stringer took in slightly over $222,000, Freed reaped just over $161,000 and DiBrienza reported $73,525. Freed and DiBrienza have spent minimally at this early point in the race; Reiter has laid out almost $71,000 and Stringer has spent over $56,000.

Grist For The Mill This weekís rumor centers on Ken Diamondstone, who ran against Rep. Ed Towns and Barry Ford for the 10th District Congressional seat. Word has it that Diamondstone, who many have said will run for Congress again this year, is instead contemplating a run at Councilmember Ken Fisher's soon-to-be-open council seat. That, of course, is music to Ford's ears. In 1998, Ford garnered 36 percent of the vote and lost the primary to Towns, who won 52 percent -- a low figure for an incumbent. Diamondstone took 12 percent of the vote. With Diamondstone out of the race, Ford would have a good shot at those votes.

"The important thing for me is that a one-on-one race gives me an advantage," said Ford, who added that Diamondstoneís presence or absence would not affect the substance of his campaign. Diamondstone, a member of Community Board 2, did not return messages left with the community board. Despite several attempts, he could not be reached at home. Ford said that he will soon report $97,000 in contributions, leaving him a balance of $70,000.

The Paper Chase Among potential mayoral candidates, Comptroller Alan Hevesi topped the money list with reported contributions of over $3.5 million. City Council Speaker Peter Vallone took in almost $2.2 million; Public Advocate Mark Green listed almost $1.8 million and Bronx Borough President Freddie Ferrer reported over $1 million. Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields reported almost $89,000, and Sal Albanese reported almost $175,000.

On a more local scale, Charles Capetanakis, who will probably challenge State Senator Vincent Gentile, reported contributions of $36,650, leaving a balance of $31,650. Gentile took in slightly less, with $35,085 -ó including a $12,000 loan to himself -- but has a balance of over $54,000.

Borough Politics Archive
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