Stunning defeat...

A year after stunning defeat, Crowley fundraises for Queens DA race

By SALLY GOLDENBERG

It's Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez versus Joe Crowley all over again.

Crowley, the longtime congressman from Queens who lost his position to political newcomer Ocasio-Cortez one year ago, is helping raise money in the contentious district attorney's race next week. And he's trying to defeat the candidate Ocasio-Cortez is backing.

Crowley sent an email pitch Thursday on behalf of Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, playing up her longstanding ties to the borough. (She has been in elected office for more than two decades, as a member of the state Assembly and the City Council.)

Katz is among the leading candidates in the seven-way Democratic primary to fill the seat vacated by longtime DA Richard Brown, who died in May at the age of 86.

Ocasio-Cortez is backing the upstart candidacy of public defender Tiffany Cabán, who has the most left-leaning platform of anyone in the race.

Cabán was endorsed Wednesday by Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, prompting backlash from Queens Democratic party leader Greg Meeks, a congressman who is backing Katz. Meanwhile, law enforcement unions have lined up behind former assistant district attorney Greg Lasak.

"Melinda and I both grew up here, went to school here, have sung together at countless community parties here, and most importantly have dedicated our careers to improving the lives of the people who call this wonderful borough home," Crowley wrote in the email, which was obtained by POLITICO. "For as long as I’ve known Melinda, she’s always shared my commitment to making Queens a safer, more just place for our families, and I know she’ll do the same from the DA’s office."

He asked for a "rush" donation of $50 to $200, though the fundraising page he links to asks for contributions of up to $1,000.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, when asked Thursday if he plans to endorse in the race, said he hasn't decided yet.

"At this point I'm not involved in that race. There's obviously still time," he said after an education-related press conference.

City Comptroller Scott Stringer is backing Cabán and City Council member Corey Johnson is staying out of the race, which includes a member of the Council, Rory Lancman. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has endorsed Katz.