Vance Prepares To Fill Morgenthau's Shoes
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In the Manhattan district attorney's office, a victorious Cy Vance Jr. is preparing to take the place of legendary District Attorney Robert Morgenthau. NY1's Grace Rauh filed the following report.At a hot, packed celebration party in Hell's Kitchen Tuesday night, Cyrus Vance Jr. declared victory as the Democratic candidate for Manhattan district attorney, capping a long, hard-fought campaign.
Vance picked up 44 percent of the vote. Beating out two other hopefuls -- Leslie Crocker Snyder, who came in second place with 30 percent and Richard Aborn, who won 26 percent of the vote.
"I am so proud to have won this primary," he said. "And I am looking forward to serving you as your next district attorney for the next four years."
There is no Republican candidate in the general election, so Vance is expected to be the next district attorney.
In the run-up to primary day, the three-way race had appeared to be a close one, with differences in style, rather than substance, coming to define the candidates.
Snyder was aggressive in her attacks on Vance, hammering him for spending much of his career in Seattle, and in her concession speech said she was disappointed.
"But you know, I've been a fighter my whole life, and I will continue to be a fighter for New York and I hope, make a difference," said Snyder.
Throughout the campaign Vance, had the supported of legendary outgoing District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, whose legacy loomed over the race. Yet the winner of the Democratic primary insisted he'll put his own stamp on the office.
"I will be my own prosecutor," said Vance. "I will be my own district attorney, but Bob Morgenthau knows the city, knows criminal justice, knows the office and is someone that I will continue to rely upon for advice."
Morgenthau, who is stepping down after 35 years on the job, didn't wait long to offer some up.
"Do the right thing, in every case, without fear or favor," said Morgenthau.
That's a tall order, but one Vance may take to heart.