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Paterson backs Gennaro in pivotal Senate contest

By Howard Koplowitz

City Councilman James Gennaro (D−Fresh Meadows) became the first candidate for state office to receive an endorsement from Gov. David Paterson, who earlier vowed that he would not back candidates as aggressively as his predecessor.

Gennaro, running against longtime state Sen. Frank Padavan (R−Bellerose), received the governor’s endorsement last week.

In a statement, Paterson called Gennaro “one of the most effective legislators in New York City. He is a champion public servant who fights tenaciously for northeast Queens on education, health care, tax relief and quality−of−life issues.”

The governor also touted Gennaro’s experience with environmental issues. Gennaro chairs the Council’s Environmental Protection Committee.

“On the issues of environmental protection and greener, more affordable energy, his record is unsurpassed,” Paterson said. “Jim’s fearless, reform−minded independence is exactly what Albany needs, and I’m delighted to endorse his candidacy for the New York State Senate.”

Paterson, who became governor in March after Eliot Spitzer resigned amid a prostitution scandal, had said he would not be as hands−on in campaigning for candidates as Spitzer was.

Spitzer was known to be aggressive in backing candidates — he appeared in some candidates’ campaign ads — which broke an unwritten rule in Albany that a governor largely stays out of campaigning in state races.

Republicans hold a slim one−seat majority over Democrats in the Senate.

Gennaro said Paterson’s endorsement “is sending a clear message that the way to fix government and make it more responsive to New Yorkers is by electing fresh, new leaders who will fight for what’s right for their constituents.”

Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e−mail at hkoplowitz@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 173.