Staten Island District Attorney Who Didn't Secure Indictment in Eric Garner Case Is Top Candidate for Michael Grimm's Congressional Seat

Movin' on up. Politics as usual.

Image via rcda.nyc.gov

The Staten Island District Attorney who gained notoriety last month for not indicting NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo for his role in Eric Garner's death is back in the news for a different reason. He's reportedly the leader to slide into the vacant seat on Congress left by Michael Grimm

The New York Observer reports that District Attorney Daniel Donovan is the GOP's new golden boy: 


Daniel Donovan, the Staten Island district attorney who most recently failed to secure an indictment in the Eric Garner case, is lining up support behind-the-scenes for a bid to replace Mr. Grimm. And Mr. Donovan, well-liked by the borough’s Republican machine, is a front-runner to win the backing of the Staten Island Republican Party in a special election that will likely be held sometime next year, sources say.


Dan is almost certainly in and is lining up his support, a source close to the Staten Island Republican Party told the Observer. He will probably emerge as the clear front-runner for the party’s support.

While Donovan has yet to offer official confirmation, he did note that he was "very seriously considering" a run at the seat in a statement: 


Over the course of the last week, I have been asked by numerous elected officials, party leaders, supporters and the media whether I would run for a vacancy in the 11th Congressional District, Donovan said in a statement. My response was that at that time there was no vacancy so any discussion of a run was premature.


Last night and this morning, with the announcement that a vacancy will exist, my phone has been ringing off the hook. I am deeply flattered by the enthusiastic expressions of support I have received over the last 12 hours, and I am very seriously considering the race. I will make an announcement after the due deliberation such an important decision deserves.

According to the Staten Island Advance, local officials do not believe the outcome of the Garner case will hurt Donovan's chances. Outrage about the decision was exacerbated by reports that he only asked the grand jury the more serious (and more difficult to prove) charges

Grimm resigned earlier this week after pleading guilty to one count of tax evasion last week. 

[via New York Observer and Staten Island Advance]

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