NYC councilman Robert Holden claims ex-Queens GOP honchos plotting to help Dem win his seat

Queens Councilman Accuses Political Operative of Backing Democrat with Ties to Disgraced Republicans

Councilman Robert Holden of Queens has raised concerns about a political operative allegedly working with former members of the borough’s Republican machine to help a Democrat win his City Council seat. The operative in question is Paul Pogozelski, who has hired Robert Hornak, a former executive director of the Queens County Republican Party, as a campaign consultant. Holden, a moderate Democrat, is supporting two candidates from his district office – Republican Alicia Vaichunas and Democrat Phil Wong. However, he claims that Pogozelski is falsely implying that Holden has endorsed him.

Holden expressed his dismay, stating that Pogozelski seems to be following the playbook of the disgraced former members of the Queens Republican machine. He accused Pogozelski of spreading misinformation, attacking residents’ characters, and taking credit for achievements he had no part in. By bringing Robert Hornak, who has ties to former public officials with corruption issues, into his campaign, Holden believes that Pogozelski is aligning himself with individuals of questionable integrity.

Hornak’s past involvement with the Queens GOP came under scrutiny over a decade ago when Vincent Tabone and Dan Halloran were implicated in a bribery scheme. Although Hornak was not charged with any wrongdoing, the scandal tarnished the reputation of the Republican party in Queens. Halloran, one of the key figures in the scandal, recently faced additional legal troubles after being arrested for possessing child sex abuse videos.

In addition to Pogozelski and Holden’s candidates, the race for the City Council seat includes Democrat Dermot Smyth, supported by Borough President Donovan Richards, and Republican Jonathan Rinaldi, known as “The Sperminator” for his unconventional sperm donation practices. Pogozelski clarified that his collaboration with Hornak’s consulting firm was short-lived and that they parted ways early in the campaign.

Responding to Holden’s allegations, Pogozelski defended his campaign as a moderate Democrat with traditional values aiming to bring new leadership to the district. He emphasized the growing support for his grassroots campaign in Holden’s stronghold, suggesting that residents are seeking a fresh perspective in local government.

The contentious race for the Queens City Council seat highlights the complex dynamics of political alliances and the challenges faced by candidates in navigating the competitive landscape. As the election approaches, voters will have to weigh the candidates’ backgrounds, affiliations, and policy platforms to make an informed decision on who will best represent their interests.