Pass the jalapenos and hot sauce because I hate the taste of crow.
That after Assemblywoman Diana Richardson (D-Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens) announced today that she received the endorsement of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx).
“Assemblywoman Richardson passionately represents the 43rd Assembly District in the Capital with a unique and necessary voice. I proudly endorse her campaign for reelection,” Heastie wrote on a flier that Richardson released to supporters.
The endorsement comes after KCP editor-in-chief Stephen Witt [me] wrote a political column last week concerning the resignation of former 43rd Assembly Democratic District Leader Geoffrey Davis and his replacement, Edu Hermelyn. The column surmises that change could spell trouble for Richardson in her reelection bid in that she made political enemies with Heastie.
Additionally, the story intimates that Brooklyn Democratic Party Lady Boss Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park) may back former State Sen. Jesse Hamilton, who is running against Richardson.
This may also be a false assumption as both Richardson and Bichotte are strong black women who do not shy away from playing political hardball and it wouldn’t be a stretch to see them lining up. The two also contributed to a funny and well-done #Don’tRushChallenge where they are featured with several other state lawmakers of color.
#DontRushChallenge w/ @NYSA_Majority #AssemblyWomen @AliciaHyndman @TheRealLatriceW @DavilaAssembly @tremaine4ny @IamTDarling MajorityLeader @CPeoplesStokes We work hard & we make room 2 smile.? @NY1 @CityAndStateNY @KingsCountyPols @politico @eleanorslegacy @scdc_bkny #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/tO3uSDvsSZ
— Rodneyse Bichotte (@AMBichotte) May 7, 2020
However, if Bichotte is backing Richardson, she may do so only behind the scenes as Hamilton comes out of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams camp. While Adams is clearly focussing on the 2021 mayoral race, his camp is pushing City Councilmember Robert Cornegy for borough president, while Bichotte remains loyal to Mayor Bill de Blasio, who reportedly would like to see his wife, First Lady Chirlane McCray as borough president.
Interestingly, de Blasio, Adams and Bichotte are all very close to Brooklyn powerhouse attorney Frank Carone, who may have to play peacemaker.
Neither Richardson or Bichotte returned KCP’s communication for comment.
