By David Cruz

It was an intriguing picture–State Senator Jeff Klein sitting alongside former Councilman Oliver Koppell. A year back, the sighting was relatively common. Now, with Koppell mounting a hard charging race against the incumbent Klein, the appearance was somewhat priceless.

It made for compelling television on BronxTalk with Gary Axelbank, the public access program on BronxNet. The station broadcasted the borough’s only televised debate for the 34th Senate District race, a massive district running from the east Bronx all the way to Riverdale.

The political joust between Klein and Koppell, both Democrats, teemed with issues of party authenticity and loyalty, a key theme in the contest. Both rivals also flung accusations of political impropriety, turning their opponent’s missteps as points and counter points. The tone was different—Klein more soft-spoken and moderate to Koppell’s confrontational and contentious approach. On both sides, each came across as confident with a dash of conviction

The drama was equally intriguing behind the scenes as an entourage of Klein supporters, including his chief of staff, press officer, and Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, watched stoically as the debate began. Koppell, running with nearly little campaign funds in comparison to Klein’s, arrived only with his spokesperson.

The Beginning
Opening the debate with a tempered assault, Koppell focused his attacks on the company Klein keeps. Klein, president of the power sharing Independent Democratic Conference, has long been criticized for agreeing to share power with State Senator Dean Skelos, a Republican from Long Island, thereby consolidating power onto four other breakaway Democrats.

Koppell rehashed the usual talking points, once again labeling Klein a Republican in Democrats clothing, calling it the “most outrageous political betrayal” of Democrats and the people of the Bronx, mostly registered Democrats. The power sharing decision has impeded the Democratic agenda, including passage of the Dream Act and campaign finance reform, as far as Koppell is concerned.

“What he did allows the Republicans to be in power,” said Koppell, as Klein sat stone-faced.

Klein disputed Koppell’s assessment of the IDC, emphasizing the decision was needed to repair a dysfunctional Albany Legislature by embracing a bi-partisan approach to politics. Klein countered Koppell’s view of the group, rebutting that the IDC has made government function better, a point bolstered by the passing of stiffer gun control laws, rent freezes for senior citizens and $300 million funding for the universal Pre-K slated to expand this upcoming school year.

“These are core Democratic legislative accomplishments and I’m proud of them,” Klein said, as Koppell stared directly at him.

He later argued that Koppell “fought the will of the voters” by backing an extension on term limits, a move largely championed by then Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Members of the New York City Council voted for extending term limits in a referendum in 2009.

“My opponent is the lead sponsor, Mayor Bloomberg’s puppet, in introducing this piece of legislation,” said Klein. “And then to make matters worse, he endorses him, a Republican.”

Koppell later revealed Klein had accepted a $10,000 donation by Bloomberg, a move Klein acknowledged was made since the IDC has shown legislative results. The topic would later resurface, with Koppell pointedly asking Klein if he believes in term limits.

“You’ve served for 20 years now, you believe in term limits?” asked Koppell, talking over Klein.

“If a referendum was passed, and the will of the voters said that we should have term limits I would never undo the will of the voters,” said Klein.

“Well, that was allowed by the courts, that was permitted,” Koppell fired back.

“You didn’t have to introduce the legislation,” said Klein.

Drawing To A Close

As the debate arrived at the latter end, Koppell used his remaining time to cite a report in The New York Post that put Klein in a harsh light.

“One of the reporters who wrote that was Candice Giove who now works for the senator,” said Koppell. “So should we believe that or what she’s saying now?”

Giove later responded to the on-air comments, saying “It’s sad that Oliver Koppell’s Women’s Agenda includes putting down career choices of successful media professionals like myself.”

“While it’s true that I was one of five reporters who worked on an article about Sen. Klein, I have come to know the senator as a hardworking Democrat, who truly cares about each and every one of his constituents,” wrote Giove. “I cannot say the same about Oliver Koppell, who I also covered as a reporter, and who has consistently insulted the intelligence of the people of New York.

Giove added her involvement in the campaign has come into the crosshairs of Koppell’s wife, Lorraine, who’s sent “vicious emails” intended to “intimidate me from doing a job that I believe in.”

Shortly after the debate, Klein rushed out, refusing to answer questions by reporters. Klein’s chief of staff added that Klein needed to head to another event, though he was seen surrounded by his group outside the Lehman College campus with nearly little to no hurry.

Koppell remained at the studio, assuming victory over the debate while once again badgering Klein’s record on delivering a lackluster minimum wage bill.

“He’s gotten money for local projects and things like that, no question about it. Is that more important?” asked Koppell. “It’s not more important than the guy in the South Bronx who’s working at Burger King and who’s earning $8 an hour instead of $10 a hour.”

But Koppell’s perceived win, he certainly has an uphill battle to climb in Riverdale, arguably his strongest base. But support there has waned tremendously in recent months. Back in May, the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club, which had once been a major supporter of Koppell, decided to endorse Klein over him.

His support has taken a dive further after Klein passed a measure that slows construction of any medical building with certain height requirements. The measure was squarely aimed at Montefiore Medical Center, which has plans to build a medical complex within Riverdale’s borders. Klein emphasized he was proud of the legislation co-authored by Assemblyman Dinowitz.

By and large, Klein’s presence is known throughout his 34^th Senate District, which encompasses nearly half the entire borough, including Morris Park, Throggs Neck, Westchester Square, Hunts Point, Bedford Park, Fieldston and parts of Westchester County. Klein, a Democrat, has represented the seat for over a decade.

Lately, he’s been spotted frequently in Riverdale, allocating millions of dollars to various community groups. Locally, Klein’s greatest asset remains his constituent services department, with staffers often directly resolving quality of life concerns.

Koppell is no doubt the David to Klein’s Goliath. The Bronx Democratic County Committee has already thrown support for Klein, who’s also garnered a swell of union endorsements and backing from Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo.

At the debate, Koppell credited himself for the de Blasio/Cuomo endorsement to Klein, adding that pressure from both top officials drove Klein to ultimately agree to rejoin the Democrats after the November election.

“I’ve already won this contest,” said Koppell. “Because even if I did lost the primary, which I don’t intend to do, he’s now got to vote for the Democrats and put the Democrats in the majority, which is what should have happened two years ago.”