Since Vito Fossella’s highly publicized DUI arrest of May 1 — and subsequent unraveling of personal indiscretions leading up to his decision not to seek reelection — Democrats of Staten Island and Brooklyn have been beside themselves. And nobody knows better than local attorney, and 2 time democratic congressional challenger – Steve Harrison.

In this Sunday’s New York Times, Harrison remains undeterred from his second bid at the 13th congressional district seat.

A seat which Harrison — the only democrat to come within 6 points of Fossella, back in 2006 — has become the poster child for disunity, and, some would argue, disloyalty within Brooklyn and Staten Island’s democratic party.

Unlike Republicans, who, until recently, could neither find a candidate willing or living enough to accept the nomination – democrats are involved in far different situation.

The life long Bay Ridge activist has had to weather challenges by everyone from a Brooklyn city councilman from Coney Island, Domenic Recchia, who — aside from not even residing in the 13 district — had questionable fundraising ties to the infamous Jack Abrimoff lobbying outfit.

To his own Bay Ridge city councilman, Vincent Gentile – who briefly flirted with the idea of running against Harrison around the same time Recchia announced is bid.

Only to finally be challenged to a primary by the term-limited city councilman from Staten Island, Mike McMahon.

McMahon, despite sweeping endorsements from democratic clubs throughout Staten Island and Brooklyn, refuses to deter Harrison; who believes his 2nd appearance since his 2006 run against Fossella will be enough to ignite the grassroots intensity he needs to win. Going on to tell this week’s New York Times:

“we have some real differences between us… we have a real grass-roots campaign going on and he has support mainly from party officials. He has more money… but most of it came from PACs in Washington.”