Sep 9, 2008 7:05 pm US/Eastern
Big Races Rule New York State Primary Day
Battle Between Incumbent Parker, Felder & Stewart Highlight Fierce Race In 21st Senate District
BROOKLYN (CBS) ―
It is primary day in New York State and some big races are on tap.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver faces a rare primary challenge.
In the 21st Senate District in Brooklyn, incumbent Kevin Parker could be in the fight of his political life.
The 21st district includes Crown Heights and Borough Park. Parker faces a tough primary fight from two opponents, City Councilmen Kendal Stewart and Simcha Felder.
"I'm going to get votes from throughout this race, I mean throughout this district. Whether it's in Borough Park, whether it in Kensington, Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush I expect to get votes and I expect to be victorious," Parker said.
But will he get the votes? Felder is hoping his support among religious Jews in both Crown Heights and Borough Park will help him carry the day. He is benefitting from an unprecedented move by ultra-orthodox rabbis in the community who issued a petition -- called a Kol Korah -- urging the community to vote.
"Today's a wonderful day," Felder said. "It's raining. Rain is a blessing and I think that's a good omen."
Some are concerned that race and religion could affect the outcome, but Gov. David Paterson says the rabbis' support of Felder is fair politics.
"I think that's more of ethnic chauvinism. In other words, this is person who could help us. He comes from our neighborhood and we're supporting. He could help us is like African Americans see a connection in Barack Obama," Paterson said.
How do voters feel?
"I believe you should give everybody a fair chance and Mr. Felder not because he's a Jew and we're black," one man said. "He's for everybody."
"I think it's, unfortunately, that it's a plot. I really feel that certain people have been placed in this election to split the votes of people of color," another person added.
"I feel Felder is a good man and I think he will do a good job for the community," said Patricia Bartley.
One reason Parker has two challengers is the view, by some, that he has an inability to control his temper. For example, he was arrested by police after he punched a traffic agent in the face for giving his double parked car a ticket.
Though the charges were later dropped, the episode was not forgotten in the community.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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