Calling it “a new low” for the Queens Democratic Party, congressional candidate Rory Lancman on Monday denounced the introduction of Jeff Gottlieb to the race.
It was announced over the weekend that Gottlieb, 70, of Flushing, who has run for Democratic offices unsuccessfully in the past, will enter the Democratic primary race for the 6th Congressional District.
The party has endorsed Assemblywoman Grace Meng of Flushing. Lancman, of Fresh Meadows, an Assembly member, and City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley of Middle Village are also running for the seat.
The primary is set for June 26.
Lancman, along with political watchers, say the intent is for Gottlieb, who is Jewish, to take away some of his support in the Jewish community, leading to a victory by Meng. The winner will face Republican City Councilman Dan Halloran of Whitestone.
At a press conference Monday called on a different topic — help for small businesses — Lancman discussed what he called the “complete sham candidacy” of Gottlieb, who now has a patronage job with the Board of Elections.
“It’s an outrageous and cynical tactic,” he said. “And I think it will backfire badly.” Reached by phone, Gottlieb said he would have no comment until after he has garnered the 900 legal signatures necessary to get on the ballot. The deadline is Monday, April 16.
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