CAMPAIGN 2006 Monserrate vs. Sabini

In what has all the makings of being a hotly contested, nasty political campaign, City Councilman Hiram Monserrate announced his candidacy for the New York State Senate representing the 13th district - the seat currently held by incumbent Democrat Senator John Sabini.
Surrounded by supporters including a number of labor union representatives, community activists and small business owners, Monserrate publicly announced his intention to run against Sabini on Monday, June 5, in front of Public School 69 in Jackson Heights.
“[My] candidacy is about bringing the energy this community has, the activism and the results to Albany to bring back the resources today for tomorrow’s result,” he said.
During the press conference, Monserrate never mentioned his opponent by name; however, he did not shy away from directing criticism in Sabini’s direction.
“We run for the New York State Senate with the understanding that we didn’t send our current Senator, former Councilmember to Albany to retire,” Monserrate said.
After the press conference, Sabini’s camp was quick to respond with a statement.
“Senator Sabini has a near-perfect attendance record in Albany,” Sabini Director of Communications Shams Tarek said. “Hiram Monserrate, on the other hand, is one of the worst attendance offenders in the City Council. If he can’t make it to City Hall on a regular basis to represent his constituents, how will he get to Albany?”
Monserrate and all of his supporters, who spoke at the rally, trumpeted that the Councilman’s presence, visibility and willingness to work for the people in his district were important to supporting his bid for Senator.
“This has nothing to do with Sabini,” said Eli Kent, a representative for Local 78. “Everywhere you go, Councilman Monserrate is everywhere; he’s got his ear to the ground.”
The population within the contested district, which includes Corona, Jackson Heights and Elmhurst, is more than 50 percent Hispanic, according to 2000 census data. President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Eduardo Giraldo endorsed Monserrate at the press conference citing the Councilman’s history of working for minorities and small businesses.
Monserrate cited a distinct lack of school funding, casting blame toward Sabini, as a critical issue that led him to enter the race for Senator.
However, Sabini’s camp did not shy away from the challenge Monserrate will pose.
“No matter who runs against him, Senator John Sabini will be re-elected for one simple reason: he has a proven record of delivering real results for this very diverse community,” said Sabini’s new campaign spokesperson Evan Stavisky.