Khari Edwards, an aide to Senator John Sampson who previously worked for Governor David Paterson, looks like he’s ready to move out of Albany politics and into City Hall.
On Wednesday evening, Mr. Edwards is holding a campaign kickoff event for Councilwoman Tish James’ seat. Ms. James is widely expected to run for Public Advocate in 2013, leaving a vacant seat behind her for aspiring politicians in her Central Brooklyn district.
Mr. Edwards will be joining a field that includes Councilman Jumaane Williams’ former Chief of Staff Ede Fox and Occupy Wall Street activist Jelani Mashariki, who was previously running for the State Assembly before changing his plans.
So far it’s been a fairly quiet race, but the newest candidate might face some stinging criticism as the campaign goes on. The first result Google returns after searching for his name is an Albany Times Union article noting that the the state Inspector General called him “immature,” “irresponsible” and “ill-suited” to represent then-Governor Paterson, who fired him for allegedly dishonest testimony about the executive branch’s politically-motivated influence over the State Liquor Authority.
Other candidates are still likely to enter the race, especially as Ms. James firms up her plans to run for higher office.
