Quinn apology was quite hollow

To the editor:

Former New York City council speaker and 2013 losing mayoral candidate Christine Quinn’s apologies and subsequent retraction of her insult to Democratic Party challenger Cynthia Nixon to Gov. Andrew Cuomo that she is “an unqualified lesbian who doesn’t have the experience to be governor” lacks real candor and sincerity. 

Can you imagine the reaction if some reactionary Republican made the same comments?

Ms. Quinn, serving as a loyal Cuomo supporter, is a very intelligent person, and knew exactly what she was saying and doing. In 2014, she assisted Gov. Cuomo’s re-election effort by assisting in the creation of the Women’s Equity Party. This party was designed to give Gov. Cuomo another line on the ballot and drive a wedge between his losing Republican opponent, Westchester County executive Rob Asterino, and female voters.

Her future political quid pro quo or “pay off” after Gov. Cuomo was re-elected took place in 2015. He returned her favors and appointed Quinn to a plum position in his administration as a “special advisor” to the governor. She also became the New York State Democratic Party vice chair.

Political hacks of a feather love to flock together. Gov. Cuomo and his Democratic Party political bosses don’t care if you are liberal or conservative, gay or straight, man or woman — just play ball like Quinn, and you’re welcome to the smoke-filled clubhouse back rooms!

Ms. Quinn previously served as chief of staff to her mentor, Councilman Tom Duane, who was gay. In those days, she would have endorsed Ms. Nixon along with campaigning and assisted in fundraising. She would never attempt to malign Cynthia Nixon.

Perhaps it is time for Ms. Quinn to regain her former independent reformer roots of old. Come out of Cuomo’s hip pocket for some fresh air.

As state Democratic Party vice chair, a real independent leader would be neutral in any primary contest.

Why not give the 5,775,104 active registered Democrats a chance to weigh in on primary day?

Larry Penner