Koo Steps Across Party Lines to Endorse Weprin

Assemblyman David Weprin, D-Little Neck ascended three flights of stairs to the office of the Flushing Chinese Business Association on Thursday, and descended 45 minutes later with the nomination of the area’s Republican Council Member, Peter Koo.

“Of course they aren’t happy,” said Koo of his Republican colleagues’ take on the cross-party endorsement. “He’s a better candidate,” said Koo, adding that he’s of the mindset to “vote for the person.”

Weprin’s Republican challenger, Bob Turner, had previously run against Anthony Weiner in the Ninth District. Koo campaigned for Turner, and endorsed him in that race.

“However, in this race,” Koo explained, “I believe that David Weprin has stronger community roots, a better record of achievement on behalf of Asian Americans and a history of supporting my district here in Queens.”

Koo cited Wepring's allocation of $38 thousand for the Taiwan Senior Center, his opposition to deportation of unauthorized immigrants, and his support of a path to citizenship.

His candidate was pleased by the vote of confidence.

“I am so proud to receive the endorsement of Councilman Koo in my candidacy to represent the good people of New York’s Ninth Congressional District,” Weprin said.

Weprin isn’t Koo’s first cross-endorsed candidate. Koo reportedly endorsed Assemblywoman Grace Meng and and City Comptroller John Liu, both from Flushing.

Koo said he has no intention of switching parties.