I am pleased to report that Fred Goodman, the winner of last week's Democratic Primary for New York State Senate in District #44, has agreed to sponsor most if not all the reform ideas of our campaign. Since the beginning, our campaign has been about creating a government that works well for everyone, not just for those who make large campaign contributions. It has also focused on eliminating partisan redistricting and use of "member items" that our legislators have been using to assure their own reelections. Recognizing that I have practically no chance of prevailing in November under the Working Families Party line, I am suspending my campaign. I will support the Democratic Party and Fred Goodman in his fight to be our next state senator.

The Working Families Party understands and supports this decision. They look forward to having a Democratic candidate who can sponsor and support Clean Money Clean Elections legislation. I appreciate the support of the Working Families Party throughout my campaign.

I want to emphasize that our campaign has been about more than just a reform agenda. We have been calling for reduced spending, and focusing the spending on public rather than special interest needs. We have been calling for fairer taxes that asks the very fortunate few who have the most resources to contribute more, without increasing the total tax revenue. We have been calling for green energy, rail transport, creating 21st-century jobs, and paying more attention to our farms and small cities.

To my supporters, I ask you to think about the kind of government that Mr. Farley has represented during his 32-year run as our senator. He has done little, has fought little, and has shown no capability to change with the times. So, I ask you to back Fred Goodman in this election and to vote for him in November.

Finally, I thank you! This is the most public endeavor that I have ever undertaken. You have made it a wonderful experience, the kind of experience that has made me grow as an individual, and as a potential public servant. This effort is about us, and can only succeed if we all participate. I urge you to find a way to become more involved and active in our government so it can work better for all of us.

- BK

Since my retirement from engineering, I have been working to eliminate the negative influences of money in our political process. If you support this cause, please read on...

As much as I think political campaigns should not be funded with private funds, special interest funds, and PACS (Political Action Committees), this practice is allowed by our laws today, and I have no choice but to work within the laws we have.

However, I have decided not to accept any PAC funds, as they can create expectations on the part of the donors that will detract from my ability to be a good representative of our district. So, I am left with private donations from supporters who believe what I believe, and who trust that I will represent them to the best of my abilities.

My opponent has been in office for 32 years and has amassed a large campaign fund from many special interests and PACS. I must find a way to compete in such an arena. If you support my candidacy, please consider donating to my campaign. Just click the "Donate" button on top of this page! Reforming our campaign finance laws is one of my first legislative priorities.

Thank you!

BK