Dems Disappoint
To The Editor:

Recently we have been hearing Democratic state elected officials, led by state Senator Diane Savino, call for Tom Suozzi to quit. She states that the party wants Suozzi to quit his race for governor. While I do not know the other Democrats who called for him to quit, I do know Senator Diane Savino, and have endorsed her for re-election. Therefore, I am surprised and disappointed in her position. She has always impressed me as a person who values the precious commodity of a true democracy. Why would she call for Tom Suozzi, a true reformer, to quit the race? I wish to remind her of a quote attributed to Voltaire: "Though I may disapprove of what you say, I will defend to the death your right to say it." Democratic candidate for state Senate Matt Titone, like Senator Savino, wants Suozzi to quit and give him some of his campaign money. Lanza has some more money than you, but you have the message. Why are you discouraged? Spitzer has four times the amount of money that Suozzi has, and he is not discouraged. Take a lesson from Tom and work harder to get your message out.

As for the rest of you who called for Tom Suozzi to quit, you have demonstrated the height of political arrogance. People contribute to a specific candidate, so what makes you think that they want their contribution to go to another candidate? And why are you panicking? Spitzer has $37 million to Suozzi's $9 million, and he is leading in the poll by 65 points. Is it because at 31 he was elected mayor of Glen Cove and cleaned it up, and then beat his Republican opponent 2 to 1 in a 2 to 1 Republican county to become Nassau County Executive? He then went on to clean up the fraud and corruption and made the most dramatic turnaround in the nation. He can do it, because he's done it! Perhaps you are nervous because you realize that the polls reflect the small number of party faithful who vote at every primary election, and not the vast majority of Democrats who are disenchanted with the status quo. The Suozzi train is gaining momentum. I suggest that you step out of the tracks. Sincerely, Ralph Perfetto Brooklyn