Carl McCall stepped up his campaign attack yesterday, ripping Gov. Pataki on education and health care, while suggesting that “some deal was made” for the teachers union to endorse the Republican.
The charges came as both gubernatorial candidates took advantage of yesterday’s mild weather to stump in the city.
Gov. Pataki marched up Fifth Avenue in the annual Pulaski Day Parade.
McCall, trailing in the polls, spoke at black churches in Queens and at a pro-Israel rally at the United Nations.
Democratic nominee McCall accused Pataki of a lack of regard for children and the mentally ill.
He decried the endorsement of Pataki by the United Federation of Teachers – and said, “It could only happen because some deal was made.”
“How can they possibly support someone who doesn’t share their commitment to educate our kids?” asked McCall.
The state comptroller also cited reports the mentally ill have been warehoused in nursing homes.
“It’s just a further example of a lack of care and compassion on the part of the Pataki administration, for people who are fragile and the most in need,” McCall said.
Pataki defended his record and called McCall’s remarks “just sad.”
Speaking at the U.N. rally, McCall blasted the Palestinian Authority as “nothing more than terrorists with fancy stationery.”
“New Yorkers have always stood with Israel because we believe in its promise,” McCall said.
McCall has been dogged in recent weeks by revelations in The Post about his efforts to secure jobs for friends and family with companies he dealt with as state comptroller.
Later, McCall was to make a stop at the North Shore towers in Queens, accompanied by Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman.