Felder backs Republican over Frum Jew

Staten Island Advance :

Continuing this year's trend of Democrats endorsing Republican candidates, Brooklyn City Councilman Simcha Felder yesterday backed Councilman James Oddo for re-election.
Sitting at the dining room table in Oddo's childhood home in Dongan Hills, Felder called Oddo, whose district comprises Mid-Island and a portion of Brooklyn, "my rebbe in City Hall," and said he would want to have Oddo as his councilman.
"He commands such respect from everyone in the Council, without exception," said Felder, a Democrat and Orthodox Jew who represents Bensonhurst, Borough Park and Midwood. "He says what he means."...
Oddo's Democratic opponent, David Ceder, who is also an Orthodox Jew, said the endorsement would have "no bearing" on the race. The Mid-Island district has a large Jewish population.
"Jimmy is looking to get Orthodox backing on his side," said Ceder. "I wish him well."
Ceder's son, Aaron, is a former intern in Felder's office...