Mayor Michael Bloomberg's campaign is reaching out to leaders of the city's controversial Independence Party in hopes of running on their ballot line again - a move that has some religious leaders outraged. NY1's Grace Rauh filed the following report.
For Mayor Bloomberg, securing a spot on the ballot with an established political party is proving to be a difficult endeavor. It's one that has compelled his campaign manager to visit the West Village home of Independence Party leader Fred Newman, seeking his support.
Over the years, Newman and his supporters have faced repeated accusations of antisemitism and cult-like behavior.
But Newman says Bloomberg, who twice ran on the Independence line, may not get their support this time.
"He's not a good Independent, I think. And I think he has a mis-estimation of how devoted the Independent movement is to him. But it's not very devoted to him at all," said Newman.
Regardless of whether Bloomberg wins the ballot line in his re-election bid, some Jewish leaders are condemning his efforts.
"You can't imagine any other hate group being a suitable political party in New York City. Somehow, this group seems to be an exception and we don't understand why," said Marc Stern, American Jewish Congress.
In a NY1 investigation in 2005, people involved with Newman's psychotherapy practice said they were brainwashed into joining a cult. Another party activist, Lenora Fulani, drew fire for written remarks that some deemed antisemitic.
Newman, however, is dismissive of the party's critics.
"You don't hear that much from the complainers any longer because they have no complaints. What they are saying is completely false. It's always been completely false," said Newman.
Bloomberg's campaign manager, Bradley Tusk, issued a statement in response:
"The mayor's record combating antisemitism speaks for itself. The Mayor has run on the Independence party before, as have many officials from both parties across the state," said Tusk.
Bloomberg himself was shy on details when asked on Thursday about his campaign's efforts to get him on the ballot.
"I've hired very competent people who I have a lot of confidence in and they are going to look at what the options are and how we should run and what we should say," said Bloomberg.
In the end, his efforts to woo Independence party leaders may not upset the average voter.
Some political observers say they aren't convinced that if Bloomberg is able to repair his relationship with the party, it will have a negative outcome for him. They note that during the 2001 and 2005 mayoral campaigns, he ran with their support, and won.
