Queenswide: 'It's gettin' kinda hectic' in the 6th CD

For children of the eighties, the meaningless pop culture puns are coming fast and furious in the 6th Congressional District Democratic primary race.

Yesterday it was "Burnin' Down the House." You know, the wacky Talking Heads tune from 1983. That was because, as the New York Post exclusively reported, one of the candidates, Jeff Gottlieb of Flushing, set his apartment on fire back in 1971. With a can of gasoline. In a multi-family building. He pleaded down to misdemeanor criminal mischief, received some counseling and went back to his job — as a teacher at Benjamin Cardozo High School in Bayside.

Today's gratuitous theme is Crowded House. You remember, the musical geniuses behind 1987 pop claptrap hit "Something So Strong." That's because today, April 17, two more candidates announced they're running in this already loaded up primary.

The newest contenders are "Ada" Juan Sheng of Briarwood, a public-access television producer, and Dr. Robert Mittman of Bayside, an allergist.

They join Gottlieb, Assemblywoman Grace Meng of Flushing, Assemblyman Rory Lancman of Fresh Meadows and Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley of Middle Village. It's a six-way race. Maybe Crowded House isn't enough; wasn't there a TV show called "Full House" that debuted the same year Crowded House actually hit No. 7 with "Something So Strong"?

Yes, folks. Yes there was.

Now, once the Democratic Party lawyers get through with these candidates' petitions, you can bet there'll be fewer left to compete against the leadership's choice, Meng. They'll find enough people who didn't sign with their middle initial or some such thing to get the signatures thrown out under New York's remarkably anti-democratic ballot access laws, and that'll be that.

But 'til then, the Democratic field is six one way, half-a-dozen the other.

And all for the right to go up against Councilman Dan Halloran, the Whitestone Republican who's seeking that party's nod for the race. Seeking it without competition, that is. Seeking it "Alone" (Heart, No. 1, July 1987).

What is it about this race and 1987? Is it that all these people have a "Fatal Attraction" to politics?

Sorry about that. See you Thursday. At least you won't have to wait, err, 'Til Tuesday.