By Nathan Duke
Republican Dan Halloran defeated Democrat Kevin Kim in an acrimonious race during which the candidates’ camps tossed around accusations of religious and racial discrimination.
Halloran, an Auburndale attorney, bested Kim, formerly the deputy director of community affairs for U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside), by 53 percent to 47 percent following the hard-fought race to replace Councilman Tony Avella (D-Bayside).
The contest became especially heated in its final weeks amid allegations of racial divisiveness, religious discrimination, the harassment of campaign workers and the destruction of campaign signs.
In addition, state Assemblyman Mark Weprin (D-Little Neck) beat Republican Bob Friedrich by 67 percent to 30 percent in the race to replace his brother, Councilman David Weprin (D-Hollis), while Republican Peter Koo prevailed over Democrat Yen Chou in the race for the seat of Councilman John Liu (D-Flushing), who won the city comptroller’s race.
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at nduke@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
