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Anthony Weiner got grilled last night in Staten Island by two long shot mayoral candidates.

Former councilman Sal Albanese repeatedly criticized Mr. Weiner for his congressional vote authorizing “the invasion of Iraq,” during a Staten Island candidates’ forum hosted by the Pleasant Plains, Prince’s Bay and Richmond Valley Civic Association, while a new candidate on the stage took aim at his 1991 council run.

“Anthony voted for the invasion of Iraq, which cost us a billion dollars,” Mr. Albanese charged during an answer over transit funding. “We have this problem in urban centers across America; we can’t fund our transit system. Let’s take care of America, let’s not get involved in unnecessary skirmishes.”

Mr. Weiner discarded the charge with a sarcastic tone. “Notwithstanding the critique, I won’t rule out as mayor invading Yonkers. I want you to know I keep that possibility at my disposal,” he joked.

Green Party candidate Tony Gronowicz, who ran for mayor in 2005, slammed the Democratic Party affiliated candidates for its 29 council members voting in favor of extending Mike Bloomberg’s term as mayor while the 5 Republicans opposed it. John Liu interrupted saying he didn’t vote in favor, while Mr. Weiner added that “no Green Party” Council member had voted that way.

That was a little too much for Mr. Gronowicz to digest. “I’m going to point out something that has nothing to do with your anatomy, I’m going to point out something that has to do with your record,” an agitated Mr. Gronowicz took aim at Mr. Weiner , reminding the audience of the racial mailers he sent out during his first City Council run. “Back in 1991, he was a long-shot candidate in a Jewish district in Brooklyn and he ran a race-baiting campaign that the Times attacked because he won.”

“He was accused of being coarse, and his recent behavior is also very coarse. I would not have said anything but he dared to interrupt me. No other candidates interrupted anyone else” Mr. Gronowicz added.

Public advocate candidate Letitia James, who was invited to address the audience immediately after Mr. Gronowicz, came to aid of Anthony Weiner. “Mr. Weiner didn’t interrupt you, he was just talking to the comptroller of the City of New York,” Ms. James said. “It was not his intent.”

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)