Steve Harrison, local Bay Ridge attorney and democratic candidate for the 13th district — up for grabs since the May 1st DWI arrest of republican darling Vito Fossella unraveled a series of personal scandal that ended his re-election bid — is not phased by last Sunday’s endorsement of democratic rival Mike McMahon by Chuck Schumer.
Harrison, in an exclusive interview with the Brooklyn Paper, said he wasn’t surprised by the endorsement, actually expecting it considering McMahon and Schumer share a similar stance on energy policy – such as favoring off-shore drilling, and the use of nuclear power.

The latest endorsement is only the latest in a series of challenges faced by Harrison, who, since Fossella’s scandal put the seat in play, has battled internally within his own party for endorsements – first against Brooklyn city councilman Domenic Recchia, and now against the term limited Staten Island city councilman, Mike McMahon.

Harrison, who ran against Fossella in 2006 with virtually no help from the national democratic party — with a war chest only a fraction of that of his republican rival — came within 7 points of the Republican incumbent.

Harrison is not without his party’s support, and enjoys the endorsement of Democratic clubs such as the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, the Democratic Organization of Richmond County, and Progressive Democrats of America and Gloria Steinem.

Harrison came under fire by various veterans groups for his campaign’s ties to controversial activist and writer, Gloria Steinem, over remarks made about republican Presidential candidate John McCain’s time as a POW – calling it, ‘overrated.’

Harrison refused to distance himself from Steinem over the remarks, and some within the party speculate only fueled a polarizing dynamic at a time when Brooklyn Democrats so desperately want a slam-dunk win in the 13th district.

(photo courtesy: bluespotblog.com)