Koch endorses Murphy for Bay Ridge congress seat
Former mayor Ed Koch, who shocked the political establishment last year with his endorsement of Republican Bob Turner in the race for the congressional seat once held by Democrat Anthony Weiner, is staying on his own side of the aisle in the contest over the Bay Ridge-Staten Island seat.
Koch has endorsed Democrat Mark Murphy over Republican incumbent Michael Grimm in the race in the 11th Congressional District.
“I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Mark in recent years. I’ve been deeply impressed with his commitment to Democratic values, his political pragmatism, and his understanding of the issues affecting middle class families today,” Koch said in his endorsement announcement on Sept. 20. “He has the vision and intelligence that we deeply need in congress. I plan to campaign for Mark in the days ahead and plan to get other Democratic leaders involved in his campaign,” the former mayor said.