More than 60 former prosecutors endorsed Democrat Madeline Singas Thursday in her campaign to win a full term as Nassau County District Attorney.
During a news conference outside Nassau County Supreme Court in Mineola, retired homicide trial attorney Robert Aiello read aloud a letter signed by the 64 prosecutors from throughout the state endorsing Singas, who is currently the county’s acting district attorney.
“Acting DA Singas has the executive experience and prosecutorial record a District Attorney needs,” read the letter, which was made available in advance of the news conference as part of a news release announcing the endorsement.
On Thursday, Singas said she was “so proud to stand with these former prosecutors” because “they understand what a prosecutor does, that a prosecutor’s job is always to do what’s right, not what’s convenient or what’s easy.”
The endorsement only includes former prosecutors as current prosecutors are prohibited from endorsing political candidates, according to campaign officials.
The letter touted Singas’ 24-year career in both the Queens District Attorney’s office and, more recently, as the chief assistant DA to her predecessor, U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-Garden City).
Singas assumed the role of acting DA when Rice was sworn into Congress in January.
“We believe that these accomplishments prove that Acting DA Singas will be a strong and effective district attorney, and that she deserves the chance to keep up the momentum she’s built,” the letter read.
Also at the conference, Singas continued her criticism of Republican opponent Kate Murray’s lack of courtroom experience and for her being a career politician.
“I see her signs, she says she is a crime fighter. Well, just because you put down on a sign that you are a crime fighter, doesn’t make you a crime fighter,” Singas said.
“The people here stand with me because they know it is not managerial or administrative experience that makes a district attorney,” she added. “This job is too important to give to a beginner.”
Murray, who is currently the Town of Hempstead supervisor, has been endorsed by each of the county’s law enforcement unions and several others from around the region, in addition to various elected officials.
A Murray spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment.
