Democratic state Senate hopeful Lew Filder had what Republicans complained was a mini-campaign rally on the floor of the state Assembly Monday.
Fidler, a Brooklyn city councilman taking on Republican David Storobin in a March 20 special election to fill the vacant seat of convicted Carl Kruger, was in Albany Monday for an evening fundraiser at the City Beer Hall.
Earlier in the day, he stopped by the Assembly, where he was welcomed, praised for his job as a councilman, and offered luck and help for his Senate campaign by Democratic members of the chamber.
Assemblyman Vito Lopez, the Brooklyn Democratic party leader, joked that Fidler was checking out the climate in Albany and would like to spend more time there.
“And that will depend on what happens in a few months,” Lopez said.
He then went on to cite Fidler’s “distinguished” career in public service and the more than two dozen community groups he is active in.
Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Queens) said that Fidler “will be an outstanding addition to that other house and we welcome him here to Albany.”
Assemblywoman Joan Millman (D-Brooklyn) praised Fidler, saying “I know when he is successful, he will do the same wonderful job that he’s done as a councilman as another elected official up here in Albany.”
Bronx Assemblyman Jose Rivera even offered to cross borough lines to help Fidler’s campaign.
“If Vito Lopez stamps my passport, I’d gladly go to Brooklyn so I can help you in whatever you feel that the area that you might want to serve this great city of ours in the state of New York.”
He went on to say: “I just want to wish you good luck . I want to contribute to the future, but again, you’ve got to ask Vito Lopez to stamp my passport.”
In all, nine Dems got up to welcome Fidler to the chamber and praise him.
One GOPer ripped the display as “outrageous.”
“This is a Fidler campaign rally without the buttons and banners,” the Republican said.
