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September 1, 1988
. . . McDonald against Green
Four candidates are seeking the dubious pleasure of running against Rep. Bill Green, the Manhattan Republican, in the November general election. Those contenders in the Sept. 15 Democratic primary are, in alphabetical order, Peter Doukas, John Levitt, George McDonald and Paul Rao Jr. Reserving endorsement in the general election until after the primary, The News recommends McDonald.

Green, a five-term incumbent with a loyal constituency, will be a difficult opponent, despite a Democratic registration advantage in the 15th (Silk Stocking) District. Each of the Democratic candidates has a significant following and legitimate claim for attention. None stands out dramatically in policy positions or in experience that would make him an immediately valuable addition to Congress.

George McDonald does stand out in other ways. A widely recognized champion of the helpless in New York City, he brings to politics qualities of honesty, wisdom and devotion to humane ideals that are as rare as they are admirable.

Now 44, McDonald had a successful career as a business executive until 10 years ago, when he entered politics as a volunteer for Edward Kennedy. He then began to focus his energies on pressing, ill-tended urban problems, including housing and narcotics. He gained prominence mainly as an advocate and activist for the homeless, becoming a familiar figure bringing food to the destitute in Grand Central Terminal. But his concerns and hands-on exposure to city and human problems are far broader.

Above all, it is McDonald's extraordinary combination of selfless, diligent decency and intelligence that makes him a welcome personality in politics. The News urges Democrats to select him in the 15th Congressional District.

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