The upstart challenger to a longtime incumbent Harlem state lawmaker scored a major endorsement yesterday in a contest that has become a war between the teachers union and charter-school backers.
The political club headed by Manhattan Democratic County leader Keith Wright ditched UFT-endorsed state Sen. Bill Perkins by backing his challenger, Basil Smikle, a champion of charter schools, in the Sept. 14 primary.
The executive committee of Frederick Samuel Democratic Club — co-chaired by Assemblyman Wright — backed Smikle in an 11-7 secret ballot vote for the nomination.
“It had to do with change. Members saw a young person with new ideas and a fresh vision,” said Wilma Brown, who co-chairs the Democratic club with Wright.
Perkins led the charge in Albany to thwart the growth of charter schools — endearing himself to the teachers union but infuriating charter-school parents and financiers.
A federal judge on Thursday shot down the teachers union’s lawsuit to pump more cash into Perkins’ primary campaign than the law allows. A union political action group can give a maximum of $6,000 for a primary election.
The New York State United Teachers has contributed $9,500 to Perkins for the primary and general election. Contributions from labor and other political action committees account for more than half of the $200,000 Perkins has raised in the past two years.
Meanwhile, hedge fund managers and other charter-school financiers have donated about $60,000 of the $150,000 raised by Smikle.
A charter-school insider said the unions are running scared because of public support for more school choice and voter anger over runaway pension costs for government workers.
Brown admitted it’s rare for the Harlem political club to abandon an incumbent.
“I’m honored to have the support of one of Manhattan’s most influential Democratic clubs. I vow to honor the tradition of hard work and dedication to Democratic ideals with a commitment to vigorously supporting our community in the state Senate,” Smikle said.
Perkins dismissed Wright’s club backing Smikle.
“Interesting you make a news item out of an executive committee of a club supporting Smikle in a split vote. From most every other grass-roots group in the district, Bill Perkins won an overwhelming vote from their members,” said Perkins spokesman Richard Fife.
He said Perkins has “strong grass-roots” support from 10 other Democratic clubs, including Congressman Charles Rangel’s MLK Jr. Club, as well as tenant rights, environmental and educational advocacy groups.