Sheinkopf Going Republican for Oddo
Sally Goldenberg reports that Democratic consultant Hank Sheinkopf will be the lead consultant to Republican Jimmy Oddo’s campaign for Staten Island Borough President.
Oddo's likely opponent, Council member Mike McMahon, played Sheinkopf's reputation (he worked on Bill Clinton’s 1996 re-election campaign, among many others) in a tongue-in-cheek effort to position himself as the earnest underdog.
"I am just a simple, plain City Councilman working hard to represent the people in my district -- I don't know anything about those high-powered consultants like Hank Sheinkopf," McMahon told the Staten Island Advance.
When I spoke to Sheinkopf, he told me he hasn't actually signed contract yet with Oddo. He also took issue with McMahon's comments.
"There's nothing high-falutin' about me," Sheinkopf said. "I'm an ex-cop with a C.U.N.Y. degree who couldn't afford anything else."
Sheinkopf has never worked for a Republican candidate.
looks like the media will need to find a new "democratic consultant" to quote incessantly. Hopefully they'll find someone who has some more recent national experience than cutting a commercial 12 years ago.
Hank: Since I have just retired, I would like to work with you to elect my good friend Jim Oddo to the office of Borough Pesident. As you know I ran for the Assembly in 20004 on the Republican line, As you also know ,I am well respected on Staten Island,know the issues and of course I am an effective campaigner. I know Jim would love to have me on board. I could be very helpful to the mission and could save you alot of time etc. Give me a call at{718} 448-2943 Finally there was a great cartoon featuring you and Jim in the Sunday-2-17-08 Advance...a must see. Looking forward to working with you and Jim. Thanks
John W. Russell