Malcolm Smith No Longer Seems Interested in Mayoral Race

State Senator Malcolm Smith, who has been accused of trying to bribe his way onto the ballot to run for

Sen. Malcolm Smith talks to CBS6. (YouTube/CBS6Albany)
Sen. Malcolm Smith talks to CBS6. (YouTube/CBS6Albany)

State Senator Malcolm Smith, who has been accused of trying to bribe his way onto the ballot to run for mayor, has seemingly lost interest in the job.

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“Right now I want to continue to do what I’m doing as state senator and try to do the best I can for the constituents that I’m still representing,” the embattled Queens lawmaker said when asked about his mayoral ambitions in a recent interview with CBS6 Albany.

Mr. Smith, a Democrat whose odd candidacy for mayor as a Republican was widely viewed as quixotic even before the corruption charges, also said that he intends to continue to serve in Albany–despite his recent arrest.

“Well all I know is I’m here to do my job still, you know. There’s bills that will be coming up during session and [I’m] looking forward to dealing with them,” he said, pointing to the governor’s women’s equality package. “I look forward to being a part of that.”

Mr. Smith was otherwise mum, declining to answer questions on whether he was innocent or the evidence the feds had collected against him.

“Unfortunately I can’t respond to that right now. You now, my attorney requires me to  just not make a comment, as much as I would like to,” he said, repeating: “I stand by my attorney’s comments, and that’s the best I can do right now.

Additionally, CBS caught up with Assemblyman Eric Stevenson, who was also arrested recently for allegedly accepting bribes in exchange for introducing legislation.

“Basically, I thought all Americans were presumed to be innocent. And we’ll fight his in court and I’ll fight to be exonerated and I’ll fight for my innocence,” he told the channel, maintaining his innocence, but declining to comment on the specifics of the case.

You can watch the full interviews here:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuw4dp_7Rbo&w=560&h=315]

Malcolm Smith No Longer Seems Interested in Mayoral Race