Assembly District Special Election happens on May 5

As has been expected, Karim Camara has recently announced that he is leaving the NYS assembly for greener pastures:
http://observer.com/2015/01/brooklyn-assemblyman-will-join-the-cuomo-administration/

For those unaware, this is what he did:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Karim-Camara/

However, the Republicans control one of the chambers (the senate), so it is safe to say his job in the Democratic controlled assembly just got a lot more frustrating. [fixed 2/9/2015]

Despite this, some people would love to replace him, and there will likely be a special election complete with candidates accusing each other of things that I can't make up, and incredible amounts of populist rhetoric.

This race promises to be an entertaining one!

In no particular order, here are the candidates that are already believed to be in the running:

Musa Moore, CB9 Member. 

Geoffrey Davis, District Leader.

Diana Richardson, CB9 Executive Board member.

Each has been shaking hands, kissing babies and talking about how they are truly "for the people" for the last year.

We are early enough in this race that the candidates have not officially declared themselves. That does not preclude one from launching a website:

http://www.dianarichardson.org/site/

GO DIANA!!!

FWIW:: Geoffrey Davis' sidewalk was not cleared for days following the last snow storm.

This article may have been written before Mr. Davis didn't shovel his sidewalk. It reports he is in the lead: http://ourtimepress.com/?p=15950

Manwhile here's a link for Dorancy, http://www.dorancy4senate.com/launch/

Musa Moore does not seem to have his own website up yet, but I believe he is going to run.

The Republicans do not control the Assembly, only the Senate. 

Fixed.

...afterall if Republicans had both NYC chambers, the speaker Heastie would be a republican, and would not be hanging out with DeBlasio:

http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/45222/de-blasio-heastie-meet-to-discuss-rent-reform-in-ebbets-field-apartments#Item_8

Musa Moore confirms that he is running:

Interesting choice to have your first fundraiser in Harlem when District 43 is Central Brooklyn.

When one runs a fundraiser for political office, one rarely is successful at solicting significant funds from local community members.

Instead, you want to impress and then get funds from the established donors.

...The entities that have an agenda, who need additional representatives to fulfill it.

...the political machine.

Hence, you may not want to have the event in the district.

I totally get the financial point - you gotta get those funds from all over - especially to end up in Albany.  I'm just saying from a PR standpoint, as someone who works in marketing by profession and as a member of this district - I would have had my FIRST/KICKOFF major fundraiser event IN my district at a local establishment ran/owned by a member/s of the community.  After that I would then take my show on the road.  

As a result of his work with Clarence Norman for so many years, I think Mr. Moore has a strategy.

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=clarence+norman+musa+moore&gbv=2&oq=clarence+norman+musa+moore&gs_l=heirloom-hp.3...1066.11551.0.12113.26.16.0.10.10.0.125.1247.15j1.16.0.msedr...0...1ac.1.34.heirloom-hp..9.17.1262.rdzIX0eSYzY

After the flyers, come the crazy accusations. Give it time:

I want to run. Will the brooklynians support?

I will support you, but you should not count on my endorsement to win you the election.

Each of the candidates in this race have been making populist speeches and kissing babies in this district for at least the last five years.

Damn. Gotta start kissing some strangers babies.

Make sure to ask permission first.

Maybe I'll join the community board. Though CB 8 seems much more subdued than our neighbor to the south...

The Community Board does not pay any money.

Whereas Albany pays around 80k, and gives you a small staff.

Candidates now have 8 days remaining to gather the signatures and fill out the paperwork required to get on the ballot for a Special Election.

The turnout for such elections is tiny, so the smart politicians are only focusing on the tiny percentage of the population that has shown a propensity to vote in such things.

The election will be held on May 5th

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/21/nyregion/cuomo-sets-special-election-to-fill-grimms-seat.html?_r=0

Diana C. Richardson writes:
"I need your help- we have to mobilize-here is the deal: I am running for the New York State Assembly in the 43rd District (Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens & East Flatbush)-Yes the same community I just ran in!

Since this is a special election...I have 8 Days....yes 8 days to collect 2,000 + signatures to get on to the ballot. This is going to truly be a community effort.

If you can collect signatures in your building... on your block...or simply if you live in these neighborhoods and you are registered to vote and will sign my petition (it does not matter the party) please inbox me.

I have folks in the field as we speak. Stay tuned for more updates. I thank everyone for all of their love and support. Don't worry.....we got this!"

Ladies and Gentlemen-
I am pleased to introduce Mr Philpotts. He may win despite being unknown and losing elections since 1976.

http://observer.com/2015/02/brooklyn-democratic-machine-breaks-down-in-flatbush-district/

http://www.kingscountypolitics.com/political-gadfly-holds-high-hand-in-assembly-race/

Maybe I'll join the community board. Though CB 8 seems much more subdued than our neighbor to the south...

CB8 is pretty chill.

Diana Richardson considered running as an Independent, but has now secured the endorsement of the Working Families Party.

Hooray! I am actually a member of the Working Families Party. I am voting Diana. NOT Phillpotts!!!!

Philpotts is effectively out of the race, as he did not complete his paperwork on time.

As a result, there will be no one running as a Democrat ...in Brooklyn.

(perhaps for the first time in decades)

http://observer.com/2015/03/bizarre-paperwork-error-will-mean-no-democratic-nominee-in-brooklyn-assembly-race/

Meanwhile, another candidate has joined the race: Shirley Patterson. She will run as an Independent.

Readers should realize that less that 15,000 people total may vote in this Special Election. ....something like 10% of the electorate.

Press: http://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2015/03/3/after-unusual-turn--no-democrat-running-in-brooklyn-assembly-runoff.html


Diana Richardson is picking up endorsements: http://observer.com/2015/03/central-brooklyn-power-broker-backs-wfp-candidate-for-assembly/

She now may be as strong of a candidate as Mr. Davis and Mr. Moore.

Mr. Dorancy seems the weakest of the pack.

There is another candidate, Menachem "Mendy" Raitport, who has been nominated by members of the Lubavitch community. His views are reportedly very socially and fiscally conservative.

However, the Lubavitch community is reportedly not united behind him, and some have speculated that the head of the CHJCC may publicly endorse the progressive candidate Diana Richardson, not because they agree with her politics, but because she has a good chance of defeating candidates really don't want win, such as Geoffrey Davis and Musa Moore.

Shirley Patterson is the favorite of Jesse Hamilton and Eric Adams:

Ouch. Spelling error on endorsed.

More from Ms. Richardson -

http://www.bkreader.com/2015/03/43rd-ad-race-diana-richardson-introduces-herself-to-kcp-readers/

For those interested in there is also Mr. Raitport, who is running on a Republican Conservative ticket:

http://www.collive.com/show_news.rtx?id=34683
He is a father of 8.

So far, I am not aware of an entity (like BRIC, NPR or WBAI) stepping forward to host a debate that all of the candidates would attend.

...which makes me kind of sad.