That's Gonna Leave A Mark

Clarence Norman Jr., the longtime powerbroker of Brooklyn Democrats and the primary target of a wide-ranging investigation into judicial corruption in the county, was found guilty yesterday of intentionally soliciting illegal campaign contributions.

After beginning deliberations Monday, a predominantly black and female jury in state Supreme Court in Brooklyn convicted Norman, 54, of two felony counts of violating election law, one felony count of falsifying business records, and one misdemeanor count of falsifying business records.

Norman faces up to eight years in prison, prosecutors said, with sentencing before Justice Martin Marcus scheduled for November 29.

One of the most powerful black politicians in the state, Norman immediately resigned as chairman of Brooklyn's Democratic Party, an organization whose influence has waned as its corruption problems have escalated. As a convicted felon, Norman is also banished from the state Assembly seat in Crown Heights that he held for 23 years. Because the vacancy occurred after September 20, Governor Pataki has the option of calling for a special election to fill the seat before next year's November general election, according to sources in the governor's office.

He was also an influential member of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus of NY Legislators. Who among the Brooklyn democrats will step up? Who is in a position to step up? Brooklyn has one of the strongest party machines in the country, so this may open up the political process as a ripple effect takes hold.

The conviction of its leader of almost 15 years leaves the Brooklyn Democratic Party, already splintered by infighting among clubs, with a power void at a critical time during the election cycle. Party leaders are expected to call a meeting of the executive committee shortly to determine Norman's successor.

Among the likely contenders is Joseph Bova, the longtime Bay Ridge district leader. Also said to be in the running are Assemblymen Darryl Towns and Joseph Lentol.

Darryl's father is a US Congressman and former legislator Ed Towns. Joe Lentol, who is chair of the Codes Committee may be in a better position to clean up the situation in Brooklyn.

Technorati: scandal, Brooklyn, corruption.