11:58 pm  •  11  December 2012

(source: NY Post)

As was first reported here, Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. is leaping into the crowded field of Queens Borough President contenders, though he’s a front runner with a slight five syllable problem: Tony Avella.

Vallone has already raised more than a million dollars, trumping his five potential rivals, and his name recognition and media savvy (he pulls in a lot of coverage for an outer borough councilman) make him arguably the most formidable candidate in the race. Based in Astoria, Vallone will pull in voters from his western Queens base and will rely on white middle class voters, still a sizable chunk of Queens, to propel him to victory in June/September.

Councilman Dan Halloran, a Republican from northeast Queens, spoke at Vallone’s father’s holiday party yesterday, an indication that Vallone considers the area, home to many white moderate voters, a crucial component of his campaign strategy. Halloran, who will be locked in his own re-election battle, could pull some votes, though Peter’s brother Paul could end up being an opponent of Halloran’s if he prevails in the 19th District Democratic primary.

Paul is based in Bayside and were there no Avella in this race, Vallone could comfortably win that area. The Hispanic Peralta or black Comrie wouldn’t net many votes. Grodenchik isn’t well-known enough. Katz could be a threat, but not a huge one.

But Avella’s bedrock is northeast Queens, where he treats being a state senator like being a councilman: hyper local constituent issues come first. With Avella in the race to stay, northeast Queens will not be won by Vallone.

The million dollar man will be looking elsewhere for votes.