On July 23, the New York City Board of Elections removed Bill De Blasio from the Democratic primary ballot, because his 125,000 signatures were accompanied by a Cover Sheet that said he was submitting 131 volumes of signatures. Actually he submitted 132 volumes.
De Blasio is a member of the City Council from Brooklyn who is running for Public Advocate. Public Advocate is one of three partisan citywide elected offices, along with Mayor and Comptroller. In the past, the name of the office was “President of the City Council”, and the Public Advocate does preside at city council meetings, and functions as New York City’s “Lieutenant Governor”, although the election for Public Advocate is not teamed with the election for Mayor.
New York state is the only state that requires candidates to submit a “cover sheet” with their petitions. The cover sheet must describe the petition. The ostensible purpose is to make life easier for individuals who want to challenge petitions.
De Blasio filed a lawsuit in state court on July 24, which will be heard on Monday, July 27. Thanks to Christina Tobin for this news. Here is a story about De Blasio’s petition, and here is a New York Times editorial.
The incumbent Public Advocate, Betsy Gotbaum, is not running for re-election. Other Democrats running for the post are Eric Gioia, Mark Green, and Norman Siegel.
He submitted 132 volumes, and only claimed 131 volumes? Seems like it is close enough for government work!
Mark Green– the Harold Stassen of New York– formerly served as public advocate.
Green is also a former co-host of CNN’s “Crossfire” and now owns Air America radio network.
Their karma ran over their dogma! This detailed steer manure may have been originally cranked out for upstart reformers, socialists, and progressives in the other century. To have it bite the Establishment Duopoly on the rear is almost delicious!
I will be sure to meet De Blasio when I fly into NYC next week.