In a fierce face-off in the race for Manhattan DA, Leslie Crocker Snyder last night tore into rival Cy Vance — at one point claiming he was part of an “old boys’ network” that helped ex-Gov. Eliot Spitzer escape prosecution on prostitution charges.
The extraordinary charge came during the first televised debate among three Democratic contenders, including Richard Aborn, all hoping to succeed Robert Morgenthau.
“I would say there is a very cozy relationship between Eliot Spitzer, Bob Morgenthau and Cy Vance, which is all part of an old boys’ network and the establishment, and I think that was very much likely at play in any decision-making that was made in the DA’s office,” Snyder said.
Vance — who has been endorsed by Spitzer — said he wouldn’t second-guess federal prosecutors who initiated the case and “did not believe criminal charges were appropriate.”
“This kind of attack is exactly what I think should give people pause about who should take over the job of district attorney,” Vance said.