Groomed Assembly candidate sought for Crown Heights seat

This November has potential to be a referendum on Democrats in the 43rd Assembly district after Democratic Assemblyman Karim Camara had his driver’s license suspended for refusing to take a Breathalyzer test last April.

The Crown Heights pol’s arrest for driving while intoxicated near Albany wasn’t exactly the kind of attention Democrats needed. Camara's predecessor, Clarence Norman Jr., was convicted in February 2007 of grand larceny, extortion and coercion for selling judgeships in Brooklyn. Before that, he was convicted of stealing money from his campaign war chest and taking illegal campaign contributions. In addition to holding his Assembly seat, Norman was also chairman of the Brooklyn Democratic Party.

Even though the seat has been plagued by such recent scandals, Republicans don’t have a viable candidate for the election, according to 43rd District Leader Clarence John. This comes two months after Craig Eaton, chairman of the Brooklyn Republican Party, pledged to be more aggressive in grooming candidates for local offices.

John said he has until the early summer to find a Republican to run for the seat. If he doesn’t, chances are he or his lieutenant Kenneth Cook will appear on the ballot. Cook lost to Camara in 2006 and in the 2005 special election to replace Norman. John lost to Norman in 2004.

Photo of Assemblyman Karim Camara