The anticipated debates between Councilman Lew Fidler and GOP attorney David Storobin will have to wait.
Fidler (D–Marine Park), who has been hospitalized for nearly a week, announced earlier today that he’s skipping back-to-back debates with Storobin scheduled to take place today and tomorrow as he continues to recover from a severe allergic reaction — but the pol insists he and his senate rival will square off as soon as his doctor gives him the go ahead.
“I can’t wait for the opportunity to discuss my record and vision for the future of our great community,” Fidler said in a statement. “As soon as my doctor lets me, I’ll be there.”
Fidler campaign spokesman Kalman Yeger said the lawmaker had a bad reaction to one of the drugs he takes to combat the gout — a painful condition where a buildup of uric acid in the body causes joints to swell. Yeger wouldn’t provide any more medical details, nor would he say where Fidler is getting treatment or when he’ll be discharged.
Storobin, the vice president of the Kings County Republican party, was quick to wish his opponent a speedy recovery.
“I fully understand the need to postpone political activities while he gets well,” Storobin said.
The pair are locked in a closely-watched race to replace disgraced former state Sen. Carl Kruger, who resigned last year before pleading guilty to accepting $1 million in bribes.
The debates were scheduled to take place in Manhattan Beach tonight, and the Flatbush Park Jewish Center on Avenue U in Mill Basin tomorrow.
Both campaigns confirmed that Thursday’s showdown will be rescheduled, but they won’t have much time: the special election for Kruger’s district is set for March 20.
Reach reporter Daniel Bush at dbush@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-8310. Follow him at twitter.com/dan_bush.
