Map of Simcha Felder’s Brooklyn District 17
Senator Simcha Felder is a Democrat who is not in the IDC, he conferences with the Republicans. He, along with the IDC, gives Republicans control of the New York State Senate.
SENATOR FELDER’S ROLE
The IDC argues if they were to join the mainline Democrats, the Republicans would still have control of the Senate due to Senator Felder. This is not likely to be true.
Senator Felder has issued a letter calling for the IDC to “unconditionally and publicly rejoin” the Democrats”[Source]. This letter indicates Senator Felder is nervous about the growing movement against the IDC and himself, and, under the right conditions, may very well return to the mainline Democratic Conference.
Senator Felder has been described as “transactional” — Google the words, “Senator Simcha Felder” and “transactional” and you will be amazed at the search results. Many insiders agree that he will bend with the political winds. As Senator Felder himself has said, “The only thing I’m loyal to is being able to serve my constituents best”[Source].
Even if Senator Felder were to remain aligned with Republicans after the elimination of the IDC, flipping just one Republican seat would give mainline Democrats control of the Senate. Clearly, this should be the priority of progressives rather than capitulating to the IDC/Felder alliance with Republicans.
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