Sabini, Monserrate await Dem Party endorsement

The 2008 State Senate rematch between incumbent John Sabini and challenger City Councilmember Hiram Monserrate promised to draw a lot of attention, but months before the Democratic primary, the race has already started to heat up.
Both candidates are anxiously waiting to see whom the powerful Queens County Democratic Organization will endorse when the group convenes on Friday, May 23. On Monday, May 19, members met for more than four hours to discuss the 13th Senate District race, and while weekend reports had the party leaning towards backing Monserrate, after the meeting, no decision had been reached. The organization endorsed Sabini in 2006.
“I know a number of the leaders are very supportive of me, and I’m eager to have their support,” said Sabini, who expressed that he would be disappointed if the County’s endorsement went the other way.
However, Sabini also said that the Queens Democratic Party’s endorsement would not be the factor that decides the winner.
“I believe campaigns are won and lost on your service that you have provided your constituents for the past two years,” Sabini said.
When contacted on Tuesday, City Councilmember Hiram Monserrate said he would comment on the issue on Friday.
If Monserrate does receive the County endorsement, not all Queens Democrats would abandon Sabini.
Influential State Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith, who hopes to become Majority Leader if the Democrats take control of the Senate after the 2008 races, vowed to continue to support Sabini during his reelection bid, according to a Smith spokesperson.
Meanwhile, both candidates have dealt with their fair share of controversy during the past year.
In September of 2007, Albany police pulled over Sabini and charged him with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) after he failed to take a breathalyzer test. Sabini pleaded guilty to Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI), a lesser offense than the original misdemeanor, in February of this year.
City Councilmember Hiram Monserrate has come under fire during the recent City Council slush fund controversy after a New York Times article revealed that Monserrate has directed nearly $400,000 to Libre, a non-profit organization where many of his former and current staffers have held leadership positions.
The report found that the organization has not filed tax returns for the past two years and has never officially registered with the state as a non-profit.
Sabini defeated Monserrate in a very close primary in September of 2006.