NEW YORK—Members of the Korean community in Queens are questioning the integrity of comptroller candidate John Liu after his recent denial that he ever supported John Choe, Liu’s former chief of staff who ran for Liu’s city council seat in the primary elections.
The Korean-language newspaper, The Korea Times, printed two articles on the issue. A story published on Sept. 16, claims Liu manipulated the Korean community to win votes for his own campaign.
It also says by supporting Choe, Liu split the Korean vote between two Koreans—Choe and S.J. Jung, thus allowing Chinese candidate Yen Chou to win by approximately 100 votes.
It says that since Liu supported Choe, the Korean community supported Liu in his comptroller campaign. “This is a highly calculated strategy to split the Korean community,” says the article.
According to the article, Liu’s about-face was preceded by the appearance of Liu and Yen Chou together on campaign posters as the elections drew near.
Choe’s campaign Web site says John Liu endorsed John Choe. Next to a photo of the two together, a quote from Choe also says, “It is so gratifying to have Councilman Liu’s full support in my campaign to succeed him in the City Council.”
The Web site of the Asian Pacific Americans for Progress also states that Choe was endorsed by Liu.
After the primary elections, Liu’s office denied that Liu ever supported Choe.
Sharon Lee, the media spokesperson from John Liu’s office told the Korea Times, “This year, John Liu supported only William Thompson and did not officially support any other candidate.”
John Choe told the Korea Times, “I was really supported by John Liu. This is a personal comment, but it is the fact. He told me he supported me.”
The Korean-language newspaper, The Korea Times, printed two articles on the issue. A story published on Sept. 16, claims Liu manipulated the Korean community to win votes for his own campaign.
It also says by supporting Choe, Liu split the Korean vote between two Koreans—Choe and S.J. Jung, thus allowing Chinese candidate Yen Chou to win by approximately 100 votes.
It says that since Liu supported Choe, the Korean community supported Liu in his comptroller campaign. “This is a highly calculated strategy to split the Korean community,” says the article.
According to the article, Liu’s about-face was preceded by the appearance of Liu and Yen Chou together on campaign posters as the elections drew near.
Choe’s campaign Web site says John Liu endorsed John Choe. Next to a photo of the two together, a quote from Choe also says, “It is so gratifying to have Councilman Liu’s full support in my campaign to succeed him in the City Council.”
The Web site of the Asian Pacific Americans for Progress also states that Choe was endorsed by Liu.
After the primary elections, Liu’s office denied that Liu ever supported Choe.
Sharon Lee, the media spokesperson from John Liu’s office told the Korea Times, “This year, John Liu supported only William Thompson and did not officially support any other candidate.”
John Choe told the Korea Times, “I was really supported by John Liu. This is a personal comment, but it is the fact. He told me he supported me.”
