Attorney Jumps Into Race Against Kruger

State Senator Carl Kruger won’t go unchallenged this election season, as a 37-year-old Russian-American lawyer tosses his hat in the ring for the Democratic primary.

Igor Oberman, a personal injury lawyer and administrative law judge, is mounting an attack on the most well-funded state senator in the legislature. According to City Hall News, Oberman is betting that voters have become frustrated with Albany’s disarray.

“I’m not intimidated, although I’m a first time candidate,” Oberman said. “When my candidacy really rolls out, the defining moment will not come from Carl Kruger’s big bankroll, but on September 14 when the people make a choice.”

Oberman’s family fled to the United States from the Soviet Union in 1981, giving him a deeper tie to the district’s booming Russian-American population. He told the news service that, among his complaints about Kruger, is the senator’s unwillingness to respond to his constituents needs. Among them are the MTA cuts and the neighborhood’s concerns over proposed changes to Asser Levy / Seaside Park.

Kruger, who has so far raised $2.2 million for his campaign, was dismissive towards his newfound rivals attempt to unseat him.

“He wants to run for something and get it out of his system,” Kruger said. “But I’ve never met him and don’t know his view of the world.”

“I don’t know of one organization, one issue, one scintilla of community involvement he can lay claim to,” Kruger said. “I’m Carl Kruger. I’m the state senator.”