10 The Queens Courier • may 23, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com ▶politics LIU RETURNS TAINTED CAMPAIGN CASH BY MELISSA CHAN [email protected] Mayoral candidate John Liu has returned more than $16,000 in contributions over the last two months, according to his recent campaign records. The latest filing with the city’s Campaign Finance Board (CFB) shows he gave thousands of dollars in donations back to nearly 30 people scattered throughout Queens, Nassau and the city. Earlier this month, two of Liu’s former campaign aides were found guilty of illegally funneling funds toward the candidate’s 2013 mayoral run. Xing Wu “Oliver” Pan, 47, of New Jersey, was convicted of conspiring and attempting to commit fraud, according to the U.S District Attorney’s Office. He was Liu’s campaign fundraiser and contribution bundler. Campaign treasurer Jia “Jenny” Hou, 26, of Flushing, was found guilty of attempting to commit fraud, obstructing justice and making false statements. According to restrictions laid out by the CFB, campaign donors are only allowed to contribute up to $4,950 to citywide candidates. Prosecutors said Hou and Pan evaded the limit by using straw donors, or individuals who illegally make political contributions in THE COURIER/File photo Mayoral candidate John Liu gave thousands of dollars in donations back to nearly 30 people after two of his former campaign aides were found guilty of illegally funneling funds toward the candidate’s 2013 mayoral run. their own names with money they received from others. Liu has not been accused of any wrongdoing. His campaign did not return calls for comment as of press time. The Democratic city comptroller has refunded more than $123,000 in total donations since 2010, according to CFB records. WEINER UP AND RUNNING DISGRACED FORMER CONGRESSMEMBER ENTERS MAYOR’S RACE BY CRISTABELLE TUMOLA [email protected] Two years ago, social media was his political downfall. This week, it was the launching pad for his comeback. After resigning from Congress in June 2011 because of a Twitter sext scandal, Anthony Weiner has entered the race for mayor. Weiner announced his decision in a video posted to YouTube on Tuesday, May 21. “Look, I made some big mistakes and I know I let a lot of people down,” he said in the video. “But I’ve also learned some tough lessons. I’m running for mayor because I’ve been fighting for the middle class and those struggling to make it my entire life. And I hope I get a second chance to work for you.” Weiner’s announcement ended months of speculation about whether he would return to politics. When he left office, he still had a sizable campaign war chest from his failed 2005 mayoral bid. Rumors he was contemplating another try for Gracie Mansion quickly emerged. Speculation grew as he allocated some of his funds and started speaking with the media. In March, campaign filings showed that he spent more than $100,000 on polling and research. An April New York Times article was Weiner’s first in-depth interview since leaving office. “It’s his comeback,” Michael Krasner, an associate political science professor at Queens College told The Courier. The piece was followed by other media interviews and a new Twitter account with the handle @anthonyweiner. When he launched the account, he tweeted a pamphlet outlining “Keys to the City” with “64 Ideas to Keep New York the Capital of the Middle Class.” Those ideas featured in Wednesday’s video — which opens with Weiner speaking about growing up middle class in Brooklyn — and on his website. “In a dynamic city like New York, the challenges and solutions are constantly evolving,” Weiner said on the site. “I invite you to review my ideas, share your thoughts and send me ideas of your own.” Krasner said Weiner probably has as much name recognition as his opponent City Council Speaker Christine Quinn — if not more — even if some of that is negative. Weiner came in second behind Quinn in a Quinnipiac University poll that asked who people would vote for if the Democratic primary were held today. The poll came out on Wednesday, May 22. It placed Quinn with 25 percent of voters’ support and Weiner with 15 percent. Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and former Comptroller Bill Thompson were at 10 percent each while Comptroller John Liu was at 6 percent and former Councilmember Sal Albanese was at 2 percent. Twenty-seven percent of voters were undecided in the poll. Weiner’s support did not change from an April 19 survey by Quinnipiac University, but Quinn’s support was down from the 28 percent she received in that poll. Former Congressmember Anthony Weiner announced his mayoral candidacy in a YouTube video posted on May 21. File photo ENDORSEMENTS BOROUGH PRESIDENT: Assemblymember Aravella Simotis endorsed Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. for Borough President. CITY COUNCIL: The Queens Democratic Party endorsed the following Candidates for City Council: District 19: Paul Vallone District 20: Councilmember Peter Koo District 22: Costa Constantinides District 23: Councilmember Mark Weprin District 24: former Assemblymember Rory Lancman District 25: Councilmember Daniel Dromm District 26: Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer District 28: Councilmember Donovan Richards District 29: Councilmember Karen Koslowitz District 30: Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley District 32: Lew Simon The New York Hotel Trades Council endorsed Austin Shafran for District 19. MAYORAL: Congressmember Gregory Meeks endorsed former City Comptroller Bill Thompson. Union 1199 SEIU endorsed Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. Brooklyn politicians: Assemblywoman Inez Barron, City Council candidate Ari Kagan and Democratic district leaders Melba Brown, Betty Ann Canizio, Jeanette Givant, Christopher Olechowski, Chris Owens, Corey Provost and Charles Ragusa endorsed City Comptroller John Liu.
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