Trudy Mason To Face Unexpected Challenge

Rumor has it that Trudy Mason, the longtime Democratic State Committee Member representing the 73^rd district on the Upper East Side, will get an unexpected challenge for her seat from fellow Lexington Democratic Club member, Bessie Schachter, the club’s vice president.

If so, the executive committee of the Lexington Democratic Club will meet next week on the 20th, and their endorsement meeting will take place on the 21st. The actual primary for Democratic State Committee Member is not until September.

When called for comment about the rumor, Mason expressed surprise, saying she herself has been trying to find out if it were true. Mason recalled that at the Lexington Democratic Club Annual Dinner on May 1, Schachter was seated at her table. “It couldn’t have been nicer and more friendly,” said Mason. “I am trying to understand, I am really mystified by her rationale.  When you run a race, there always has to be a logical reason.” 

Mason maintains that she has been an extremely effective state committeewoman, and that in phone conversations over the past several days she has been endorsed for reelection by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Assemblyman Dan Quart. Mason has not been contacted by Schachter, nor has she attempted to call her. “I don’t think it’s my place to contact her. I am the sitting Democratic state committeewoman for the 73^rd Assembly District … And I think if someone is challenging me, they owe me the courtesy of letting me know that.” When contacted for the story, Schachter said she had no comment at this time.