Robert M. Morgenthau, Manhattan’s district attorney for 30 years, yesterday defeated his first serious challenger in two decades in a Democratic primary, getting 59 percent of the vote, reports the New York Times. He has no opponent in the general election. Morgenthau’s name recognition and support from labor groups and Democratic clubs helped blunt the calls for change from his rival, Leslie Crocker Snyder. Morgenthau, 86, emphasized his strong record and longtime opposition to the death penalty.
Snyder, 63, a former judge and prosecutor, had a stronger showing than predicted in the polls, winning over many voters with an argument that Morgenthau had been in office for too long and was out of touch with current law enforcement trends. Snyder would not say whether she would run again, but advisers said it was likely. “There may not be a woman district attorney now, but there certainly will be,” she said in her concession speech. “And I, for one, look forward to that day.”
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/14/nyregion/metrocampaigns/14morgy.html