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Ken Thompson holds Democratic unity rally

Seeks to solidify support heading into November election

September 30, 2013 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
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Ken Thompson, who defeated Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes in the Democratic Primary on Sept. 10, then had to endure rumors that his opponent was considering running for the office on the Republican line, sought to consolidate his party’s support for his candidacy by holding a rally outside Borough Hall.

Mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio was among the Democratic elected officials and party officials who expressed support for Thompson at the Sept. 30 event billed by the Thompson campaign as a “unity rally.”

“Our party is united in support of Ken Thompson for Brooklyn District Attorney,” de Blasio said. “Ken understands that a progressive, smart-on-crime approach to public safety means rooting out crime wherever it exists without compromising our civil rights. If I have the honor to represent New York City, I look forward to working with Ken Thompson to protect and serve the people of Brooklyn,” he said.

“I’m deeply honored and humbled to have the strong support of Democrats across Brooklyn, and I look forward to serving all the people of this borough as your next district attorney,” Thompson said. “We are united in bringing a new vision to our criminal justice system. Whether you are a Democrat, Republican or Independent, I will fight every day to keep our streets safe and our communities whole,” he said.

In a huge upset, Thompson, a former federal prosecutor, beat Hynes, a 23-year incumbent, in the primary.

But reports later surfaced that Hynes, who also had endorsements from the Republican and Conservative parties, was considering running for re-election on those party lines.

Mike Long, chairman of the New York State Conservative Party, recently told the Brooklyn Daily Eagle that he wanted Hynes to run. Hynes would face an uphill battle, given Brooklyn’s overwhelming Democratic voter registration, Long said. But the Conservative leader also said the election was winable if Hynes camaigned for re-election.

Last week, however, the Eagle reported that Hynes said in an interview with the New York Law Journal that he was “very firm” in his decision to cease all of his campaign efforts.

Thompson will be the first African-American to serve as Brooklyn DA.

Scott Stringer, Democratic nominee for comptroller, spoke at the unity rally and praised Thompson.  “I could not be more proud to stand today with my fellow Democrats in supporting Ken Thompson for Brooklyn district attorney. Throughout this campaign, Ken Thompson has been laser-focused on smart solutions to tackle crime, drive guns off our streets, and build bridges between law enforcement and the community,” he said.

The elected officials came to the rally at the invitation of Frank Seddio, chairman the Brooklyn Democratic Party.

“Brooklyn Democrats have come today in strong support of our candidate for Brooklyn district attorney Ken Thompson and to demonstrate a continuing effort to unify the borough.  Ken is our candidate, and we are united as one to make sure he is elected Brooklyn DA in November.” Seddio said.

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