By Jeremy Walsh
City Councilman Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) kicked off his state Senate campaign with a multi-stop bus tour of his district Saturday, making stops in Ridgewood, Glendale, Howard Beach and Ozone Park.
At the Sikh Cultural Society Gurudwara in Richmond Hill, Addabbo received the endorsement of many Sikh community leaders in his bid for the seat held by longtime Sen. Serphin Maltese (R-Glendale).
“We need to listen to each other and act on what we hear,” Addabbo told the crowd of some 50 people. “I plan to break down barriers of race and party affiliation to address your concerns.”
The 15th Senate District, which includes Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village, Howard Beach and Ozone Park, has been held by a Republican since at least 1966, when Martin Knorr was elected to the seat.
But Democrats, buoyed by negative public opinion of President George W. Bush, hope they will have the momentum to overtake the Republicans in the state Legislature's upper chamber.
“This is the year of change,” said Harpreet Soor, former president of the Sikh Temple in Richmond Hill. “The state Senate is going to have a Democratic majority for the first time.”
Maltese, the former head of the Queens Republican Party, has held the position for the last 20 years. In 2006, Maltese narrowly defeated Democratic challenger Albert Baldeo for the seat. Baldeo, a Richmond Hill attorney, is also running on the Democratic line against Maltese this year, which will pit him against Addabbo in the primary this fall.
“Make no mistake, this will be a tough race,” Addabbo said.
A survey of 400 voters conducted by Maltese's campaign last month showed the senator with a 27-point lead over Addabbo, who criticized the poll by saying the projected lead of a 20-year incumbent should have been higher.
Addabbo, elected in 2001, will be term-limited out of his City Council seat in 2009. In January he endorsed district leader Frank Gulluscio to succeed him in the City Council. A special election will be held for Addabbo's seat if he defeats Maltese in November.
Reach reporter Jeremy Walsh by e-mail at jwalsh@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 154.
