In New York, once-friendly neighbours now battle it out

Al smith, a New York governor, unsuccessfully ran for president in 1928 with the campaign song “The Sidewalks of New York”, a popular tune but one with a peculiarly local theme. Its chorus includes the lyrics: “East Side, West Side, All around the town”. The candidates running in New York’s 12th congressional district might consider adopting the old campaign song. Because of redistricting, for the first time in decades the seat unites Manhattan’s East and West Side. As a result, two high-ranking Democratic incumbents are now fighting each other for political survival, in a primary election to be held on August 23rd. Carolyn Maloney, who has represented much of the East Side since she was elected in 1992, is pitted against Jerry Nadler, who has represented much of the West Side for three decades in the 10th congressional district. Both are entrenched in their neighbourhoods.