Independence Party Candidates ‘Encouraged’ to Collect Signatures for Castro

We have heard a few complaints from Democratic candidates who also have the Independence Party line throughout Westchester, about the arm twisting they are receiving from County Independence Chair Dr. Giulio Cavallo, strongly encouraging them to collect signatures for Tony Castro, Democratic candidate for district attorney.

Castro has the Ind line, thanks to Cavallo and Sam Zherka, but he also wants to run in a Dem primary against Janet DiFiore and needs to collect a few thousand signatures in order to get on the ballot.

Dr. C has made it known that all Dem candidates with the Ind line need to help Castro get on the ballot. This puts these Dem candidates in a bad situation because the leadership of the party, and the rank and file, have nominated DiFiore.

Also what right does Cavallo have in telling the Dem Party how to conduct their primaries?

Another fact that points to serious involvement by Dr. C and Sam Z in the political elections this year in Westchester.

Dr. Giulio Cavallo

DiFiore vs. Castro DA’s Race and the Conservative Line

 

While most eyes were on the Conservative Party’s endorsement of Andy Spano for County Executive, Conservatives also made endorsements for all other county races and local races in Yonkers (see previous post for Yonkers Cons thoughts)

Conservatives endorsed Janet DiFiore for District Attorney. DiFiore’s selection, over Tony Castro, was not a surprise. But after the result both campaigns went back and forth over the endorsement. Both DiFiore and Castro are Dems, with DiFiore switching last year, and DiFiore had the Conservative line when she ran four years ago.

Castro blasted DiFiore for taking the Cons line. “When asked by Democratic District Leaders in Lewisboro on Monday, May 11, well in advance of the Democratic county convention, which party endorsements she was seeking, DiFiore said she was seeking only the endorsements of the Democratic and Working Families lines and ruled out seeking the Independence Party line,” Castro said. 

“In a direct response to a follow up question about the Conservative Party endorsement, she specifically said she would not seek it,” said Castro who said he did not seek the Conservative line. (moot point because he had no chance of getting it)

 DiFiore blasted Castro for misleading voters on her actions in seeking the Cons line and also said that Castro did, in fact, seek the Conservative line.

“When I appeared before the Lewisboro Democratic Committee on May 11, I was not seeking the Conservative Party endorsement,” said DiFiore. “Shortly after my appearance in Lewisboro, I was invited to appear before the Conservative Party’s Executive Committee. I appeared on May 27, minutes before Mr. Castro appeared before that same body to request that they designate him as the Conservative Party’s candidate for District Attorney.  I am proud that the Conservative Party chose to endorse my work on behalf of the people of Westchester County over Mr. Castro’s lackluster record,” said DiFiore.

Westchester County Conservative Party Chair Gail Burns also refuted Castro’s claims that he didn’t seek the Cons line. “I am confused and disappointed by Tony Castro’s assertion that he had declined to seek the Conservative Party’s endorsement in his bid for Westchester County District Attorney.  Contrary to Castro’s statements, he actively sought the Conservative Party line for District Attorney this year. Castro expressed no reservations or concerns, personal or political, about running as the Conservative Party nominee; indeed, he specifically asked us to give him the line and our party’s support for his candidacy,” said Burns.

Westchester DA Janet DiFiore Kicks Off Re-Election Bid; Attempts to Disturb Event Backfire

     

 

  Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore kicked off her re-election campaign last week outside the county courthouse in White Plains. Surrounded by hundreds of supporters, DiFiore said she was looking forward to the upcoming campaign, and will run on her record of protecting Westchester families over the past four years.

     “The employees of the Westchester County District Attorney’s office have served with honor, integrity and a deep and abiding respect for the rule of law. I ask each and every one of you to stay focused on the truth and on the facts,” said DiFiore.

     DiFiore’s announcement was marred by an attempt by her opponents to disturb the event. After attempting to shout DiFiore down, a few protestors escalated into physical confrontations with the crowd. These supporters included supporters of Tony Castro, one of DiFiore’s opponents this fall.

     “Tony Castro’s supporters tried unsuccessfully to disrupt my re-election announcement. Shame on Tony for being associated with people like that. My work keeping the people of Westchester County safe and secure is much too important to be disrupted. I will not be distracted or intimidated by their bully tactics,” said DiFiore.

     While most of the other Westchester media focused on the disruption, they missed two key elements in DiFiore’s announcement.

- DiFiore had with her the leadership of the Westchester Democratic Party and County Chairman Reginald LaFayette, County Executive Andy Spano and County Clerk Tim Idoni. DiFiore, who won as a Republican four years ago, switched parties last year and is now a Democrat, with the support of the Democratic Party, over Tony Castro.

- DiFiore can run on a record of achievement in Westchester of keeping the residents safe and secure. This election will come down to who the voters of Westchester believe will protect them, and are they satisfied with the current DA? DiFiore will likely face off against Castro in a Democratic Primary this September, with the winner facing Republican DA candidate Dan Schorr.