Fat Cats, Bigger Fish
Democrat Machine Rallies behind Ruth Messinger
By Keith Mitchell, News Editor
White wine flowed with new money as the Democrats attempted to christen Ruth Messinger the Democratic mayoral nominee. But to no avail, as the underdog of the race, the Rev. Al Sharpton, was able to steal Messinger’s thunder and force a run-off election in two weeks. Upstart Sal Albanese was able to receive 21% of the vote and won the Independence party primary, qualifying him for the general election.
Red, white and blue dominated the decor of the top floor ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel, located in mid-town Manhattan. Signs simply titled “RUTH”” juxtaposed with a crude drawing of an apple stood below the American flags, possibly an attempt to remind supporters of Messinger’s back-to-basics liberal policies upon which her campaign has been based.
However, the crowd at Messinger’s headquarters reflected the problems of campaign. She lacks a street smart and savvy campaign crew with the type of energy that has now rocketed Sharpton to his position as a major player in city politics. Those who weren’t schmoozing with the public relation coordinators and major donors nursing $9 glasses of wine stood in utter boredom, viewing silent images of “Home Improvement” on television in the midst of “democracy.” The hundred or so gathered woke up briefly at 9:15, when with 1% of the districts reporting, Messenger led 44% to Sharpton’s 18%.
Messinger watched the results come in from her temporary penthouse on the 33th floor of the Grand Hyatt with her parents, husband, Wall Street tycoons and politicians, among whom in attendance was former mayor David Dinkins. In his usually affable mood, Dinkins had words of encouragement for Messinger. “Even though the results aren’t in, I’m confident that New Yorkers will back Messinger. She has my support.”
Dinkins wasn’t the only pundit rallying for the former Manhattan Borough president. The Rev. Calvin Butts of the Abyssinian Baptist Church told the Envoy , “I think Messinger is the candidate who can unify the great diversity of this city and who can challenge Giuliani in November. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think so.” Democratic machine members who came to back Messinger included comptroller Alan Hevesi, city council president Peter Vallone, Public advocate Mark Green and State Assemblyman Dick Gottfried who called for a “united, strong Democratic Party.”
Although all were positive that Messinger was going to pull off a victory, it was obvious by ten o’ clock that an upset was in the making as Sharpton gained 28% of the vote with 53% of the precincts reported. The murmurs began questioning whether or not Messinger would even win as Gloria Gaynor’s “I will Survive” blasted in the background, and monitors displayed jubilant Sharpton supporters at a hotel across town.
At eleven o’ clock, Albanese conceded, and the crowd began shouting “Ruth,” with dozens of American flags and red pennants flapping in the air. Messinger was whisked onto the floor of the ballroom in her trademark-red business suit. “Tonight is just the first step,” she told her supporters. Although optimistic, she admitted a run-off was necessary much to the chagrin of the rank and file campaign workers and promised to “win it the hard way, and win it we will.”
In her speech, she lambasted the mayor’s insensitivity to the plight of the poor, homeless and unemployed and promised that, under her possible mayor ship, they “will not be forgotten.” In keeping with her main campaign theme of education, she vowed support for all public education, in particular CUNY, but left out any specific plan.
While Messinger stated she will support Al Sharpton if he wins the Democratic
nod, many worried whether or not the Democratic party is divided.
With the presence of Sharpton, Messinger has been unable to tap into the
Black and Latino vote. A Sharpton loss may alienate these voters,
an important factor if she is to take on Giuliani in November. Democratic
nominee for the Bronx Borough President’s Office, Fernando Ferrer, who
is just back from a trouncing of his primary opponent, Israel Ruiz, told
the Envoy, “When Koch had a primary 15 years ago against Badillio, people
thought the party was divided. Democrats will come together, and
she will face Giuliani in November.”
