By Alex Davidson
Former Borough President and Democrat Claire Shulman endorsed Republican Gov. George Pataki last week, crossing party lines for the second time in five years.
“While I am proud to be a Democrat, I am more proud to call Queens my home and will always do what I think is in the best interest of this borough,” she said in a statement that appeared on Pataki’s Web site.
Shulman also endorsed Mayor Rudolph Giuliani in his re-election bid in 1997. Shulman had earlier appeared with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Carl McCall but never officially made a declaration of support.
“It is a tremendous honor to have Claire Shulman’s support,” Gov. Pataki said in a statement on the site. “Working together — in Albany and right here in Queens — we’ve made a difference.”
She made the announcement at Queens West, a project she and Pataki worked on together to help redevelop the Queens waterfront in Long Island City.
“We face extraordinary challenges, and Gov. Pataki has the experience to lead us through these uncertain times. He is a good man who has demonstrated through our partnership over the years that he cares about Queens,” she said.
“From making sure we get our fair share from the Port Authority and creating jobs, to investing in our schools and cleaning up the environment, Gov. Pataki has been a good governor for Queens,” she continued.
Borough President Helen Marshall has not declared her support for either candidate but has appeared at events with McCall.
Reach reporter Alex Davidson by e-mail at TimesLedger@aol.com or by phone at 229-0300, Ext. 156
