NYC Unity

(New York - AP, Sept. 14, 2005) - The second-place finisher conceded the Democratic mayoral primary to Fernando Ferrer on Wednesday, sparing the party the threat of a divisive runoff in its uphill quest to unseat Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

With absentee ballots still outstanding after Tuesday's primary, Ferrer was just fractions of a percentage point shy of the 40 percent he needed to avoid a runoff with Rep. Anthony Weiner, who had 29 percent. Elections officials had said it might take several days to count all the votes.

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I know Weiner is looking long-term and this move to consolidate Dem Party unity in NYC earned him a lot of goodwill here. Maybe a Senatorial run if Hillary chases the White House? But the morning after election day, Bloomberg will still be Mayor of New York. Freddy Ferrer's time is long past and I hope he bypasses any future elections in favor of a younger, more electable candidate.