Proving that political blood is thicker than mishpucka water, City Councilman Chaim Deutsch Friday received support in his re-election bid from his one time mentor, former 48th District City Councilman Mike Nelson.
The support comes less than two weeks after Nelson turned up at a fundraiser for Deutsch’s cousin through his wife, Kalman Yeger, or what’s known in Yiddish as mishpucka – family through relatives.
Yeger is widely rumored to wanting to challenge Deutsch – with a wink from City Councilman David Greenfield (D-Boro Park, MIdwood, Bensonhurst) – in an Orthodox Jewish battle of political one-upmanship.
Deutsch worked for Nelson before the latter was term-limited out of office three years ago in the same 48th City Council district covering Sheepshead Bay, Manahttan Beach, Brighton Beach and Southern Midwood and he likes the work Deutsch is doing.
“Chaim has always been a tireless advocate for our community. During the time he worked in my Council office, and now as our Councilman representing the 48th Council District, he has fought to protect and improve the lives of his constituents. He has done an extraordinary job during his first term, and I am delighted to stand with Ari Kagan and Margarita Kagan to show our support for Chaim,” said Nelson.
While Nelson’s support looms large within the district, Deutsch also landed the support of City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.
“Chaim has the experience, compassion and dedication that South Brooklyn families need in their Councilman. Chaim has made it a priority to stand up for senior citizens, students and the most vulnerable among us. I am proud to endorse his re-election to the Council,” said Mark-Viverito.
The support of both Nelson and Mark-Viverito is going to make it that much harder for Yeger to jump into the race, but even if he doesn’t Deutsch won’t have a cakewalk in facing Republican Steve Saperstein in the general election. The district, largely conservative and Russian-American, was one of the few that Donald Trump won in the last presidential election.
But for now, Deutsch is pleased in how his campaign for re-election is moving along.
“The partnership of Speaker Mark-Viverito and former Councilman Michael Nelson has been integral to accomplishing great things for our district. I have been proud to count Mike as a close friend for more than 18 years, and I am honored to have his support. I look forward to continue working hard to bring results for the residents of the 48thCouncil District in my second term,” said Deutsch.
