Almost two months after Councilman-Elect Chaim Deutsch’s stunning victory over Republican David Storobin, Republican District Leader Marcus Nussbaum of the 46th Assembly District is taking issue with former State Senator David Storobin for comments he made following his loss.
In an interview with Politicker last month, Storobin blamed his loss in November’s race for the 48th District of the City Council on low turnout in the Russian-speaking community.
But Nussbaum rejected Storobin’s narrative, saying, in a statement published on Sheepshead Bites blog, that his loss was because of his failure to garner support from the Republican party. As widely reported, the Brooklyn GOP is in the midst of a power struggle, with a faction led by State Senator Marty Golden looking to unseat county boss Craig Eaton, and Storobin wasn’t favored by County leaders.
Read Nussbaum’s press release in full:
Marcus Nussbaum, one of the two newly elected Republican District Leaders in the 46th Assembly District, has stated that he strongly disagrees with former State Senator and City Council candidate David Storobin’s recent statement that he lost his election because the Russian electorate did not come out to vote.
“This analysis labels the Russian community as disinterested in civic affairs. I found this to be in accurate. As I campaigned, talking with hundreds of Russian constituents, I found the overwhelming majority to be very much concerned with government affairs and eager to cast their votes,” Nussbaum said.
Mr. Storobin’s remarks were included in a Politicker article entitled “Non-Russian Triumphs in ‘Super-Russian’ Council District” written by Ross Barkan last November 7th. Mr. Storobin blamed turnout for the letdown, “It’s disappointing the Russian community tends not to come out in high numbers,” he said, reflecting on his bid.”
Nussbaum explained, “I am of Russian descent, and convinced that my victory last September, together with that of my running mate, Lucretia Regina-Potter, happened because of the strong support that we received from the Russian Republican community. In order for us to receive such support, we personally asked for it by meeting with as many Republican voters as possible throughout the entire 46th Assembly District.”
“In spite of the fact that the established factions did not support us, we were able to overcome those obstacles and their very strong opposition. In my opinion, Mr. Storobin lost because he failed to reach out to those people, including myself and my co-leader, who had just succeeded in convincing a large number of Republican voters to actually come out and vote in a Primary election,” Nussbaum stated.
“Could it have been political rather than cultural considerations that were at play?” Nussbaum asked. “At this stage, one is inclined to conclude that perhaps Mr. Storobin did not value our support, or worse, he may have been instructed not to reach out to us by his alignment with one established Republican faction.”
“The result of all of the bickering and infighting among Brooklyn Republicans is that it is almost impossible for Republican candidates for public office to be elected. We must stand united, work for a common victory, and overcome these petty differences in order to succeed. It is not a community that is disappointing, but perhaps the candidates that take the community for granted,” Nussbaum concluded.
(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)
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5 Responses
Nussbaum and Storobin don’t understand that Deutsch won because he was the better more experienced candidate who had served the community for many years. If their party had nominated Chaim – they could have also won.
Marty Golden is a good man.
Yaakov Doe (#1) is correct in his statement. The outcome of the election was the result of Chaim Deutsch’s ability to win in all of the community’s districts, not only the Orthodox community. As the campaign progressed, it became clear, to the Russian community as well, that Chaim was the candidate who would best serve their needs. This is because (unlike Storobin), when Sandy hit, Chaim was there for all, without regard for the language or origin, of those in need.
All this hindsight, is about continuing the inter-party struggles of the Republican group, and not the reality of the outcome of the election.
He lost because of the reasons he gave. Deutschland is not experienced. Never held a real job. Either whole stobin was in office breafly. The republicans tend to eat there own while democrats will support even bigots to hold a seat.
Chaim has signed on to support the progressive wing of the party. That means higher taxes and more give always. Enjoy. Paying it.
Mr. Kollel Faker, Just because you say it, doesn’t mean it is so. It is clear that you know nothing about Chaim, to state that he has signed on to support the progressive wing of the party. That’s not Chaim.
In order to be the Councilman we all want, he needs to work with those in power. The community expects that our needs and institutions remain funded. Chaim will deliver.