N.Y. Democrats Pick Candidate for Weiss’ Seat

Democratic county committee members Wednesday chose state Assemblyman Jerrold Nadler to succeed Rep. Ted Weiss, the liberal stalwart who died last week on the eve of his victory in the Democratic primary.

Officials stopped counting ballots when it was clear that Nadler had more than 50% of the votes from nearly 700 Democratic committee members from Manhattan. He had lobbied heavily for the position, which was also sought by five other contestants.

“Ted Weiss left very large shoes and it’s going to be hard to fill them,” Nadler said. “I think I won because I have the broadest vision of how to use this seat for the betterment of New York City.”

Former Rep. Bella Abzug, whom Weiss had succeeded in Congress, withdrew her name from consideration after the meeting began and threw her support to City Councilwoman Ronnie Eldridge, saying that she hoped a woman would be chosen.

Being nominated is tantamount to victory in the Nov. 3 election. The Republican candidate in the Democrat-dominated district, which includes Manhattan’s Upper West Side, is banker David L. Askren.