Koppell Waiting for Budget Before Deciding on Klein Challenge

[hrmjustin]

ROSS BARKAN

In one of the most high-profile potential primary contests this year, ex-Councilman Oliver Koppell is waiting until the budget season is over before making a final decision on whether he’ll challenge State Senator Jeff Klein.

In an interview with the Observer this morning, Mr. Koppell, sounding very much like a candidate, said he wants “eliminate someone who has betrayed the Democratic Party and progressive principles,” but first needs to see how those principals fare in the state budget, due April 1. Mr. Klein leads the breakaway faction of Democrats allied with Republicans in his chamber.

“I want to see how the budget comes out. I want to see the budget deliberations, see how various interest groups look at things after this budget,” Mr. Koppell said. “I have to evaluate whether I am able to put together the kind of campaign that can win. I’m interested in defeating Jeff Klein. It’s not my personal ambition. I wish to eliminate someone who has betrayed the Democratic Party and progressive principals.”

Mr. Koppell’s latest beef with Mr. Klein is the State Senate’s vote yesterday against the Dream Act, which would provide college financial assistance to undocumented students. Mr. Klein’s Independent Democratic Conference and most of the traditional Democratic conference voted for the bill, but the legislation came up two votes short with unanimous Republican opposition.

http://politicker.com/2014/03/koppell-waiting-for-budget-before-deciding-on-klein-challenge/

[hrmjustin]

1. PETITION CIRCULATES FOR KOPPELL TO CHALLENGE KLEIN

http://media.cityandstateny.com/2/75/campaigns-and-elections/petition-circulates-for-koppell-to-challenge-klein.html#.UyifLp_D9ct