The five Democratic hopefuls for Attorney General will have some sparring ahead in their future endeavors to replace current AG Andrew Cuomo, but at least there is one thing right now that unites them all, beyond party lines and policies: a distinct disdain for one Hiram Monserrate. Richard Brodsky, Sean Coffey, Eric Dinallo, Kathleen Rice and Eric Schneiderman all have heartily endorsed Democrat Francisco Moya for the 39th Assembly District seat over Monserrate, who recently began his political comeback by screaming outside a church. Moya said of the endorsements, "I'm honored that these 5 statewide leaders recognize my commitment to reform. Their endorsement demonstrates that even while Democrats may disagree on some things, we are ready to come together for the cause of reform and restoring honesty to our state government." And don't forget the cause of keeping Monserrate out of government!
The five pols join several other prominent politicians who have endorsed Moya over Monserrate, including Sen. Jose Peralta, who defeated Monserrate in a March special election; Julissa Ferreras, who holds Monserrate's old City Council seat; and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, Manhattan BP Scott Stringer and former city Comptroller Bill Thompson.
Daily News political reporter Celeste Katz spoke with all five pols, who offered some serious anti-Monserrate fervor: former Federal Prosecutor Sean Coffey said, "Hiram Monserrate is grossly unqualified to be part of our growing reform movement and should instead focus on reforming himself. His many abuses range from the physically violent to the deep abuse of public trust that came as a result of his abhorrent behavior. Hiram Monserrate is a criminal who is part of the problem, not the solution." And Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said, "It is also important that the people of this district and the people of New York reject Hiram Monseratte’s campaign. He has been convicted of domestic violence. Crimes like this need to be taken seriously. The people of this district can help be rejecting his candidacy.”
