A criminal defense lawyer representing accused corrupt ex-Queens Republican Party honcho Vincent Tabone is running for Congress, The Post has learned.
Grant Lally’s decision to throw his hat in the ring for Democrat Rep. Steve Israel’s seat on Long Island is raising eyebrows in political circles.
Lally, a Republican, made his announcement after The Post reported that Tabone’s legal defense team wrote a letter to the judge in his case requesting a delay in Tabone’s trial, arguing it would unfairly tarnish GOP candidates seeking office.
The request was written by Lally’s law partner Deborah Misir — though Lally’s name had been associated with previous court filings on Tabone’s behalf.
Tabone’s request for a delayed trial did not specifically mention that Lally was running for office.
Tabone is accused of pocketing $25,000 as part of a failed scheme to get Queens Democratic state Sen. Malcolm Smith a spot on the GOP ballot for mayor last year.
One Queens GOP insider said Lally’s association with Tabone and the corruption trial in Manhattan Federal Court is problematic.
“You’re either a criminal defense lawyer or a congressional candidate. You can’t do both,” the source said.
Lally’s law partner will be taking over the case.
“. In the upcoming months, our partner Grant Lally will be delegating work to our other attorneys in the firm because he is focused on running for Congress,” said Deborah Misir, Lally’s law partner.
Israel’s district includes parts of Nassau, Queens and Suffolk counties. Israel defeated GOP challenger Steven Labate in a spirited race two years ago.
Lally would have to face Labate, who is running again, in a GOP primary.
Lally worked on the Florida recount battle for George W. Bush in 2000 and ran twice before for Congress in 1994 and 1996.
Lally said he will specially challenge Israel over his support of ObamaCare.