The Staten Island Race Next Year
As it stands, the field is expected to include Assemblyman Vincent Ignizio, who ran on the Republican, Independence and Conservative Party lines, and his challenger from 2004, Democrat Manny Innamorato, who has the backing of the county organization.
One possible wild card that could have benefited the Democrats has just been removed: Frank Morano, an Independence Party activist who is embroiled in a court battle with allies of Lenora Fulani, announced that he isn't running, which should clear the way for Ignizio to win the IP line.
So unless I'm mistaken, the only way this race gets competitive is if something wacky happens with the off-year turnout.
Anything I'm missing?
-- Azi PaybarahUPDATE: As the comment section so helpfully reminded me, this special election will not be partisan. But, as this reader noted, party politics is still very much a factor:
"The only monkey-wrench in the race could be if SI BP Jim Molinaro chooses to support a Conservative Party member in the race due to a chasm between himself and the Fossella/Lanza/Ignizio group. One possible candidate is Anthony Liccardello who recently resigned from the Mayor's Community Assistance Unit to scope-out a run."
When did Morano even say he was thinking of running? He's the only one who takes himself seriously
Ignizio is gonna win
why is Ignizio even running for Council? He's barely had time in 2 years to settle into the Assembly and as a councilman he can't hold the county chairmanship. Plus, on the Council he'll be term limited out and he can be an assemblyman for year.
Azi,
Just for clarification, my understanding of council special elections is that candidates don't run on the usual party lines. For example, there are no Democratic, Republican, Indpendence, etc. candidates. They create their own party designation to run on for the special election only.
Bob is corect. Special elections to fill municipal offices are non-partisan. No party labels may be used, and county endorsements don't have the usual bite.
I believe a reading of the City Charter shows that not only would Ignizio( the likely winner) serve for the remaining 3 years of Lanza's term, but he also would be entitled to run and if elected and re-elected, serve his own 8 years as a City Councilman. 11 years at $112,000. SWEET.
The odd things that can happen include the lack of "party labels"; if the Democrats on the South Shore and elsewhere want to give one more shot to the GOP and to anyone associated even by default to Fossella and Bush; if another Republican or Conserative decides to run and hence bleed votes from Ignizio; if anyone actually cares enough about this race; and how much money each of them can raise.
Ignizio fears MORANO!!!! That little squirt wouldn't last fifteen minutes in a race with MORANO. Ignizio is a little squirrel who should go back to hiding his nuts while Morano leads the charge to reform staten island and make it a wonderful place to live. God Bless MORANO!!!!
I deliver chinese to Morano's all the time, hes a great tipper. I think I saw him at the cyclones game 1 time. LETS GO YANKEES!!! LEETS GO MORANOVISION!!!
I recommend everyone vote for my son. He would be a great candidate and destroy anyone who run against him.
Morano? Are you kidding me? The only dead guy that gets more free press is Elvis. He is going nowhere.
there isn't a doubt in my mind that Frank made up each and everyone of the above posts about himself, you have no shame you usless imp, how many people watch your Wayne's World community access freak-a-thon? 6 total? and 5 are related to you, go away Moron-O,
Why were you not even mentioned in that worthless rag of a paper, the Advance's coverage as a possible candidate? They will print anything. Your fifteen minutes are up and they were 14 minutes and 59 seconds too long for the decent people of Staten Island.
take your meds frankie your nobody
Vincent will Hammer Immaroto.
he beat him last time. Immorato had 17% of vote even if he doubles it 35% Vinny is a winner. go vinny. Im backing you buddy.
Ignizio has balls to stand up to a$$wipes like Charles Barron as well