Here's big news coming out of Queens. Ron Kim, legislative aide and former APAP Board member, has dropped out of his bid to replace John Liu in District 20 and is returning to his work in Governer David Patterson's office.  In addition, Kim has thrown his weight behind his friend and former chief of staff to Liu, John Choe.

In his statement, Kim says:

I would like to promote solidarity among Democrats in this district by stepping aside. This is a challenging time for Queens and I plan to keep fighting for the resources and policies that will help us flourish.

It's a shame since Kim is definitely one of the good guys, a genuine politician who's heart is in the right place, one of those "better Democrats."  I am not sure what calculations led to his departure from this race, but let's hope that Kim decides to run again in the nea future.

Kim's departure still leaves a crowded field that includes Asian Americans Choe, community activist S.J. Jung, education advocate Yen Choue and Democratic District Leader James Wu, as well as Holly Civic Association President Isaac Sasson and Constantine Kavadas.

UPDATE: Oops, just got an email from Ron with a couple of corrections.  He has not endorsed anyone at this point and it is obviously for the position of City Council.