Nine years ago I helped run a spirited campaign against Manhattan Assemblyman Jonathan Bing (D-East Side).   It was an open seat race that went to a recount, lasting until just before Christmas, with Bing prevailing by a couple of hundred votes at the end of the day.

My candidate, Gail Hilson (R), would have made a terrific Assemblyman, but so has Bing. He has proven to be hardworking, intellectually honest, and, above all, independent.

This video shows Mr. Bing on Fox News today discussing his willingness to buck the powerful New York teachers unions over their “Last in First Out” policies.  YNN’s Liz Benjamin better elaborates on that here.

Bing’s political bravery quiets any remaining sting from Election Day 2002.  Nicely done.