Democrats are bringing in one of their biggest guns - U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer - to campaign in a race that could determine control of the state Senate.Schumer will be in Queens within the next week to campaign for City Councilman Joseph Addabbo, who is challenging longtime Republican Sen. Serphin Maltese.
"Chuck Schumer is a legend in New York politics with a record of unseating incumbents," said Addabbo spokeswoman Alexis Grenell.
"As the man who unmade the Republican Congress, Sen. Schumer is no stranger to a fight, and the councilman is thrilled to have him in his court."
The race, which a recent poll showed to be a dead heat, is a top priority for both parties as Republicans cling to a razor-thin 31-to-29 majority.
Maltese several weeks ago brought in former Mayor Rudy Giuliani to campaign and raise money for him.
Addabbo - who recently received the endorsement of Gov. Paterson, a fellow Democrat - wants Schumer to counter Giuliani in the district.
Schumer will stump with Addabbo, possibly as soon as tomorrow, at several senior centers and is also set to do a fund-raiser for him in the next few weeks, aides to both men said.
"Joe Addabbo has been a first-rate city councilman who has delivered for the people of western Queens and he will make an even better state senator," Schumer said.
In addition to stumping for Addabbo, Schumer plans to hit the trail over the next few weeks for a number of New York Democrats running for Congress, state Senate, Assembly and some local races, an aide said.
