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Avella Drops Out Of Queens Borough President Race

By Katie Honan | August 14, 2013 10:51pm
 State Senator Tony Avella announced Wednesday he was dropping out of the race.
State Senator Tony Avella announced Wednesday he was dropping out of the race.
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Facebook/Tony Avella

QUEENS — And then there were two.

State Senator Tony Avella dropped out of the race for Queens borough president, his office announced Wednesday.

“Queens is my home borough and I will never stop fighting and advocating for all residents of Queens,” he said in a statement.

“Yet, at this time, I believe I can best serve the people of Queens by remaining a State Senator.”

Avella didn’t endorse either of the two remaining Democratic candidates, City Councilman Peter Vallone and former Councilwoman Melinda Katz, on his way out of the race.

Three other BP hopefuls — State Senator Jose Peralta, Councilman Leroy Comrie and Borough Hall staffer Barry Grodenchik — endorsed Katz after dropping out.

The feisty councilman had been critical of both Katz and Vallone at borough president forums, even accusing Vallone of cheating through text messages at a forum in Jackson Heights.

Avella thanked his supporters for their encouragement throughout the campaign and said he looks forward to their support  “on this continuing journey towards reforming Albany.”