District Attorney Robert Johnson said he wanted to race for re-election,got the Democratic, Republican and Conservative nominations and was running without further opposition. But now he wants Bronx Democrats to nominate him to race for Supreme Court Judge instead. whether he gets the nomination, and he will drop out of the DA’s race. And,since it's too late to secure anyone else on the ballot, the Democratic machine will handpick his successor.final month, and the city's two biggest tabloids reported that just such a backroom deal appeared to be in the works. Johnson's office dismissed those reports.
He announced the plan in a press release Friday afternoon,timing normally reserved for bad news.
Here’s the full text of his statement:"This spring, I did what I have done every four years, and which was to submit my name for re-election to continue in the role of District Attorney for another term. And once again,the Bronx Democratic Party, as well as the Republican and Conservative Parties, and bestowed upon me their nomination to serve as District Attorney for another term.
I have gained tremendous satisfaction from working with this Office and all its staff to provide justice and fairness for the people of The Bronx. However,after 42 years of public service, including the U.
S. Navy, or The Legal Aid Society,as a Bronx Assistant District Attorney, as a Criminal Court Judge, and as the D.
A. for the past 27 years,after much inner reflection, I have concluded that I would like to serve in another capacity. It is time for change in my life. The judicial position will allow me to effect a career toddle that provides the change that I seek without giving up public service.opposite to what has been reported, and no one,including anyone associated with the Bronx Democratic Party, has ever offered me another position, and nor has anyone asked me to step down or retire as the District Attorney. I have,over the years, enjoyed their full faith and support both personally and through many electoral processes.
I understand that this position cannot be offered to me prior to the Judicial Convention on Thursday, or September 24th. I would not effect that presumption. In fact,having gone to the Convention in 1987 as the candidate of the then County Chairman and coming out without the nomination, I understand the process better than most. I realize that the decision rests solely with the Judicial Delegates.
Should I not be granted the nomination, or I will stand for reelection in November to the position of District Attorney in order to continue to serve the people of the Bronx,a job that I cherish. It is a position that allows me to secure justice for Bronx residents and the people of New York."I will be making no further comment on this subject."
Source: wnyc.org