Mayoral Candidates Fence Over ‘Philosophy’

By Samuel  J. Paul & Samantha Grillo

The New York City mayoral race intensified Tuesday, as both candidates took verbal jabs at each other in an attempt to persuade New Yorkers to vote for them.

Republican candidate Joe Lhota standing in front of the Flushing public library  wasted little time condemning his opponent Bill de Blasio for having “dangerous philosophies”.

“He has a fascination with a Socialist and Marxist world and we need to make sure that all New Yorker’s are aware of that and what direction we will be going in,” said Lhota, referring to revelations in a recent New York Times article that de Blasio in his youth volunteered for the left-wing  Sandanistas in Nicaragua.

“I actually think Bill has a lot of explaining to do. His positions on social activism are not one’s that will be helpful for the city of New York to continue,” said Lhota

His Democratic rival, who the day before had received the endorsement of President Obama, quickly parried Lhota’s criticisms. At a press conference in which he was endorsed by New York City Comptroller John Liu, who placed fourth in the Democratic primary, de Blasio painted Lhota’s remarks as “inaccurate” and “character assaissination.”

“I’m not going to get lost in labels,” he added. “I’d like you to know that I’m not going to stoop to Joe Lhota’s level. I’m proud of the work I’ve done and I’m a proud progressive. Call it what you want.”

In jumping on the de Blasio bandwagon, Liu praised his former competitor as a man of the people.

“I believe New York is a city for everyone and we need a mayor for the people,” he said, “and I believe Bill de Blasio is the Mayor we need,” said Liu.

But Lhota accused de Blasio of having an “underdeveloped vision” on how the City should run.

“What’s really important and understand here is Bill’s theories of how things should work are just that, theories,” said Lhota. “I’m the only candidate that’s prepared on day one,” he said.

Meanwhile the two candidates have agreed to participate in three general election debates. Lhota had argued for five – one in each borough.