DA Hynes Throws His Battered Hat in the Ring

Charles “Joe” Hynes, a life-long and stalwart Democrat, formally announced his decision on Tuesday run on the Republican ticket to keep his job as Brooklyn District Attorney, accusing his opponent Ken Thompson of inexperience and of using a disgraced ex-assemblyman Norman Thomas as a key operative in his campaign.

“I’m very grateful to the Republican Party for the opportunity to run for re-election,” the 78-year-old prosecutor said at a raucous rally on the steps of Borough Hall.

The decision to run represents a reversal by Hynes who was roundly defeated by Thompson in the recent Democratic primary and at first promised to accept the results and cooperate with his rival in “a smooth transition” to the office.

But Hynes said he was convinced to change his mind by an outpouring of local support and especially by learning of Norman’s alleged role in Thompson’s campaign.

“This is not about party politics, it’s about people, public safety, and about the ability to bring issues to the people and have them decide,” said Hynes.

The day before at Borough Hall Ken Thompson repeated his denial that Norman had been attached to his campaign. “This allegation about Clarence Norman is an outright lie,” he said. “It’s a desperation move by DA Hynes.”

A Thompson campaign aide echoed the denial in an e-mail: “It’s sad that Mr. Hynes refuses to accept the will of the people, as he repeatedly pledged to do last month.”

Hynes,a 23-year veteran of the office,has had a rocky time lately, weathering accusations that he showed favoritism to Brooklyn’s Hasidic community, and that he allowed a string of wrongful convictions.

Hynes also has gotten credit for many programs, such as alternatives to jail for drug offenders.

The election is scheduled for November 5.