Felder Says Bloomberg, Hikind Support State Senate Bid

Councilman Simcha Felder just told a few reporters at City Hall that he has the support of both Michael Bloomberg and Assemblyman Dov Hikind in his new bid to unseat State Senator Kevin Parker.

Felder said Parker, also from Brooklyn and also a Democrat, hasn’t delivered for the district.

“He’s just not capable of advocating on behalf of his constituents,” Felder said.

The councilman also said he thinks gay couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples, but he does not support legislation legalizing same-sex marriage. (Joe Bruno, leader of the State Senate, has threatened legal action against David Paterson's gay marriage directive.)

“The same respect, the same protections that everyone else deserves, they should get,” Felder said. “But marriage is something for a man and wife.”

Felder's entrance makes this a three-way primary; Parker is already facing a challenge from City Councilman Kendall Stewart.

Felder, who until recently was believed to be planning a run for comptroller, declined to say who he now supports for that office.

UPDATE: Through a spokesman, Kendall Stewart said he doesn't see Felder's entrance into the race as a problem. In fact, Stewart said he "sees him as a friend," and that Felder "makes the race very interesting. May the best man win."