Sergey Kadinsky

Written Works

Markey Survives Nunziato Challenge

This feature piece was published in the Queens Tribune on Nov. 6, 2008

Inside a century-old flower shop on Grand Avenue, Tony Nunziato ran his Assembly campaign base, producing leaflets, loud speaker trucks, a website, and foreign-language ads. Nunziato knew he was an underdog, representing a party that was declining nationally, running against Democratic incumbent Marge Markey. “This is truly grassroots, like our forefathers,” said Nunziato, as he cited his all-volunteer campaign staff.

Initially, the momentum appeared in Nunziato’s favor, with some of the local residents recalling his presence on the streets. “Tony Nunziato is my neighbor. I think he has a chance, he’s well known in the neighborhood,” said Steve Benardis, 48. Along Grand Avenue, Nunziato posters outnumbered those for Markey, but there were a few notable exceptions.

MaryAnna Zero’s real estate office is located across the street from Nunziato’s Enchanted Florist, and displayed posters only for Markey. Citing experience, Zero also expressed support for Senate incumbent Serf Maltese, and John McCain for president. “I’d rather go with somebody I know than someone I don’t know,” said Zero. When asked about her bipartisan voting choices, Zero responded that she votes by person rather than party.

Often described as a traditional neighborhood, religion played a role in the campaign as Nunziato touted his Catholic background, support for private schools, and pro-life legislation. Markey echoed this sentiment when she bucked her party in opposing gay marriage in a recent Assembly vote. “Though newsletters, she did a poll of her constituents and it was overwhelmingly in support of civil unions, as opposed to gay marriages,” said Markey spokesman Michael A. Armstrong.

Facing her toughest race since getting elected in 1988, Markey awoke a 4am to campaign. She was joined at the polls by Rep. Joe Crowley, the chair of the Queens Country Democratic Organization. “It quite a remarkable turnout. Around the county, there were reports of close races where there normally aren’t,” said Crowley. Markey’s campaign was boosted by labor endorsements, including the firefighters, carpenters, and teachers unions. “The area tends to be more conservative, but it also has a strong democratic and union presence,” said Markey.

The boss is pleased: Joe Crowley and Marge Markey

Within two hours of polls closing, the numbers for Markey were almost 68 percent to Nunziato’s 32. As bipartisan as Maspeth may be, the national election may have had an effect on the local races. “It was an Obama tsunami and people voted down the line,” said Nunziato supporter Ryan Girduski, 21. Still restless from the excitement of campaigning, Nunziato expressed the possibility of running for another position soon.