Brooklyn N.Y. — The race for this Nov. elections might be over, as Assemblyman Dov Hikind and councilman Simcha Felder defeated their primary opponents, the Tischler brothers in the Sept. 13th Democratic primary. Hence, looks like it ain’t over until it’s over, or at the very least, the race for 2014 begun today.
In a press release sent out today by Hikind’s November challenger (yes! he’s still running), school choice candidate, Moshe Tischler demands from Dov Hikind to pledge he’ll serve out his full term, if elected in November.
“Amid rumors spreading around town about Assemblyman Dov Hikind’s intentions to hand over the throne to his son Yoni, towards the end of his 16th term, Assembly candidate for the 48th district is calling upon Hikind to respond to rumors, and make clear to the voters of the district his intentions in the near future.
“Assemblyman Hikind owes voters of the district a clear answer of what his intentions are in filling out his term in office, before they go to the polls in November,” said Moshe Tischler. “The seat is one of the people, not of career politicians, and voters ought to know that their trust if given will not be thrown back at their face.”
“Voters must demand a clear commitment from the Assemblyman that he’ll fill out his entire term if elected, to allow a democratic process for the transition of power. Since we already had a representative jump ship moment after given the seat for another term, we simply must not allow that to happen again, for the benefit of our community,” Tischler added.”
Tischler told the blog, that he also sent a personal email to Dov Hikind last night, in which he did not get any response as of now.
The rumor spreading around town, seems to have some credibility, since Yoni Hikind confirmed last night on his father radio show that he’ll be seeking public office in the future. In fact, while acknowledging that he is still considering the run due to the factor that his honesty might contradict with the job, as most politicians lack that component today, he did throw in a hint by saying: “If i will run, when I’ll run..”
In addition, Hikind appeared twice on the Neil Cavuto show in one week, to announce his support for Romney and decry those Jews who are still committed in supporting Obama. He also promised to play national this year, stumping for Romney (not necessarily on Romney’s behalf). Which brings voters to assume that Assemblyman Hikind is indeed looking to retire towards the end of his 16th term, and become a national player or a local power broker.
It’s important to note though, that there’s nothing wrong in retiring before the end of a term and forcing a special election. However, as Tischler notes, it is vital for voters to know that the throne (or whatever you might call it) will not be handed over to a successor without voters having the chance to choose, and that the candidate they are placing their trust in, will not quit, just like former councilman Simcha Felder did, moments after getting reelected to a third term.