Mark Green yesterday tried unsuccessfully to mend fences with former rival Fernando Ferrer – while Republican opponent Michael Bloomberg ripped his new Democratic opponent as a “rookie.”
Green – who placed a call to Ferrer that was not returned – took pains to praise his defeated primary foe, saying the Bronx borough president ran an “all too excellent, spirited, substantive, idealistic and inspiring race.”
“He gave me the race of my life,” Green told a luncheon of Democratic women at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
“After a sometimes contentious primary and runoff, we now have to come together to work together for our party, our city, and our country.”
Green beat Ferrer, 52 percent to 48 percent, in Thursday’s runoff.
Ferrer spokesman Alan Cappelli said Ferrer spoke to Green when Ferrer conceded on Thursday night and “they haven’t talked since.”
Although Ferrer allies such as the Rev. Al Sharpton and Bronx Democratic leader Roberto Ramirez said they would be willing to meet with Green, both were incensed over a scorching attack ad Green’s campaign ran in the race’s final days.
“That spot was extremely divisive and provocative and he’s got to deal with it,” Sharpton said.
Ramirez told The Post that Green was using racial code words when the commercial asked: “Can we afford to take a chance” on Ferrer?
“The stereotyping of Fernando Ferrer was – and will continue to be – a troubling act,” Ramirez said.
Winning over Ferrer’s Hispanic and black supporters is high on Green’s list as he heads into the November election against Bloomberg, who has threatened to mount a serious effort to draw Latino voters.
While Green was dealing with the Ferrer camp, Bloomberg for the first time took aim at his Democratic opponent by questioning his experience.
“You’ve got to work with Washington and with Albany. You’ve got to work with the mayor on a seamless transition. I don’t know how you do that if all you’ve done is sue them,” Bloomberg said on WCBS/Channel. 2.
“I’ve created 8,000 jobs – not 8,000 press releases,” he said.
“I’m a professional manager – he’s a rookie,” he said later on WNBC/Channel 4.
“Just take a look at the recent race of the last three days. I’m not sure that was exactly bringing people together,” Bloomberg said at his campaign headquarters.
Bloomberg also accepted an offer by Channel 4 for a debate with Green on Oct. 28, and proposed three others.
While Green mostly avoided taking swipes at Bloomberg, he noted that the media mogul has never held elected office.
“I think I have an experience money can’t buy,” Green said.