Reuven Blau at The NYDN Reports: A key member of beleaguered city Controller John Liu’s inner circle is looking to jump ship, the Daily News has learned.
Deputy Controller Simcha Felder, his top Jewish aide, has met with Republican state Senate leaders to discuss running for a super “Jewish district” that is expected to be drawn up in Brooklyn, sources said.
“This is a very serious option,” said a source familiar with the talks.
“It’s being discussed,” added a political source close to Felder.
The idea was broached by state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, the insiders said. At the meeting, Felder indicated he’d be willing to change parties if the seat was created under the state’s divisive redistricting plan.
A state task force is drawing up new political boundaries to be voted on by the Legislature.
Those controversial new lines will likely include a district jammed with as many Orthodox Jewish voters as possible in Borough Park. The area is now divided into two Senate seats and three Assembly spots.
Felder has made no secret of his desire to join the Legislature. In 2008, he lost a bid to knock off incumbent state Sen. Kevin Parker.
Last January, Felder, a Democrat, left his City Council seat covering Borough Park to serve as Liu’s deputy controller. Liu at the time was seen as a strong contender for mayor in 2013.
But a recent fund-raising scandal has rocked his tenure, badly damaging his chances for higher office.
Felder declined comment.
Gov. Cuomo has vowed to veto redistricting plans that are not drawn by an independent body. The politically charged bipartisan task force is set to release its recommendations in the coming days, sources say. The matter is likely going to end up in court.
