By The TimesLedger
Queens Democratic Party boss Tom Manton has dealt a blow to his longtime ally, friend and neighbor, City Council Speaker Peter Vallone (D-Astoria), by throwing his endorsement behind City Comptroller Alan Hevesi of Forest Hills, published reports said.
Manton’s decision to choose Hevesi over Vallone leaves the council speaker without backing from any of the city’s Democratic machines. Hevesi has now been endorsed by the Queens and Brooklyn Democratic organizations, while Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer has the support of the Bronx Democrats and Public Advocate Mark Green has been endorsed by Manhattan Democrats.
According to Newsday and the News, Manton was under pressure from state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) to back Hevesi. The reports said Manton does not want to anger Silver, who will be a key player in determining New York City’s congressional redistricting, which could involve the loss of one of Queens’ six seats.
