The race for the 25th State Senate district continues. Marty Connor's court challenge to Ken Diamondstone's candidacy has failed. Daimondstone's press release is at the bottom.

This race is an odd one. Marty Connor is a long time incumbent, yet his fundraising is abyssmal and he has misspent a large chunk of that money dubiously. Mostly they don't differ on the issues much, both being quite liberal. Diamondstone focuses more on Brooklyn, hence has taken a strong stand against the destruction of Brooklyn as a unique community by Ratner. Connor focuses more on Manhattan and has said he doesn't care about Ratner's plan. That seems to be their main issue difference. The other difference is style. Connor's style is often uninterested unless challenged, at which time he gets nasty. Diamondstone seems to perpetuatly tilt at windmills quite aggressively. Both can get nasty but Diamondstone is more articulate as to why he is angry while Connor exudes a sense of entitlement to his anger.

I have resisted taking a side here simply because my main impression is a dislike of Connor after his nastiness at IND meetings. My main impression has been of Diamondstone standing up to the machine at a County Committee meeting. This has left me favoring Diamondstone. But I also know Connor was instrumental in Margarita-Lopez's victory, so that is a point in his favor. Ultimately I do not know which is the better candidate, but I do know that Connor's style and lack of interest in defending our community against Ratner's corruption has left me unable to support him.

What follows is Diamondstone's statement:

AUGUST 11, 2006, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK - The New York State Supreme Court ruled today that Ken Diamondstone, candidate for the 25th state senate district, is legally eligible to appear on the ballot as a candidate in the primary and general elections. Diamondstone had been challenged by his opponent Martin Connor, not on the issues and needs of the constituents, but rather by trying to limit Diamondstone's access to the ballot through legal action.

"My opponent's attempt to block my access to the ballot was an act of desperation," said Diamondstone. "The court decision proves that this type of action is not only unethical and undemocratic, but that, ultimately, the Board of Elections overstepped their bounds in removing me from the ballot. This entire process was a tremendous waste of time, money and resources and a perfect example of why we need immediate reform in Albany."

This action was business as usual for Martin Connor and is another installment in a long line of unethical and undemocratic actions that prove he is part of the problem in Albany. From misusing campaign funds to buy a car, to making a living on a legal practice devoted to knocking candidates off the ballot, Connor represents the worst of what is wrong in Albany.

Diamondstone proved in court that he moved into the district before the legal deadline of November 7, 2003 through testimony and evidence such as a lease signed for November 1, 2003 and a receipt from Ken's landlord showing payment for the apartment for the same date.

Diamondstone continued, "The 25th district deserves a state senator who is committed to reform in Albany--no one should have to go through what I did simply to gain access to the ballot. This election is a clear indication of the dire need for campaign and election reform to ensure that campaigns are about new ideas to improve our community. These reforms should include independent commissions for redistricting, campaign finance reform, and a fair process for access to the ballot."

"I expect Senator Connor to honor the ruling and join me in a race that engages the community. This election should be judged in the court of public opinion. I plan to refocus all my energies to a campaign based on the issues."