Graziano Endorses Saffran in Race for Halloran's Seat

Paul Graziano, a Democrat who recently ran in the Democratic primary for District 19, has endorsed Republican Dennis Saffran for Councilman Dan Halloran’s seat.

Graziano, a long-time community activist from Flushing, placed third in the September primary for Halloran’s seat. Flushing attorney Paul Vallone ended up winning the primary.

But Graziano has thrown his support behind Saffran, a Douglaston attorney.

“The 19th Council District is one of the last truly livable places for the middle class left in New York City,” Graziano said. “I’ve worked alongside Dennis during the past decade in his capacity as a long-time civic leader for Douglaston and believe that he will make an excellent Council member for the 19th District.”

Graziano said his decision to back Saffran was also influenced by campaign hit pieces sent out in August by Jobs for New York, a group funded by the Real Estate Board of New York that is supporting Vallone in the race.

At that time, Vallone’s campaign spokesman said the candidate had not been responsible for the mailers.

One of the Democrats in the primary – former state Assemblyman John Duane – has backed Vallone.