NEWS

Stewart-Cousins may face Westchester Legislator Perez in primary

Joseph Spector
Wires

Virginia Perez

ALBANY – The state Senate's Independent Democratic Conference last week picked up a member from the Senate Democrats. Now it may have a primary opponent against the Democrats' leader.

Virginia Perez, a Westchester County legislator, said Sunday she is considering a primary run against Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Yonkers. Perez and IDC Leader Jeff Klein, D-Bronx, have spoken several times.

"I'm giving this very serious consideration," Perez said in an interview with Gannett's Albany Bureau. "I think there is a big appetite among Westchester voters for change."

The IDC added a fifth member a week ago when Sen. Tony Avella, D-Queens, broke ranks from Stewart-Cousins' conference and joined with Klein's. The IDC shares control of the 63-member Senate with Republicans.

The IDC has been eager to add members and recruit candidates to challenge the traditional Democratic conference in this year's elections. In November 2012, Democrats won enough seats to take control of the Senate, but were bucked when the IDC teamed up with Republicans.

Last August, Gannett reported that Klein was trying to woo former Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, D-Greenburgh, to challenge Stewart-Cousins. But Brodsky said at the time he wasn't particularly interested.

Klein himself may face a primary. Former Bronx Councilman Oliver Koppell is considering a challenge to Klein, who represents parts of lower Westchester.

Perez, who was first elected in 2011, is a supporter of bi-partisan coalitions. She joined with another county Democrat last December to form a partnership with Republicans in the county Legislature — similar to the structure in the state Senate.

"Being bi-partisan is the best way to serve the public," she said. "We don't need gridlock. Extreme partisanship doesn't get us anywhere."

Perez said she would continue to talk to constituents as she weighs a Senate candidacy.

Through a spokeswoman, Klein praised Perez.

"Senator Klein has deep ties throughout Yonkers, which is a community he proudly represented for many years. He believes Virginia Perez has a very bright future, and has the talent, experience and drive to make a great senator," IDC spokeswoman Candice Giove said in a statement.

"Good legislators know when to put partisanship aside and deliver results. Virginia Perez is someone who clearly knows how to do that," Giove said.

Mike Murphy, a spokesman for Stewart-Cousins, declined comment.

Joseph Spector: jspector@gannett.com; Twitter: gannettalbany