Rumors that veteran State Sen. George Onorato (D-Queens) is in poor health, which have been circulating for the past six months, are not quite true, said the 79-year-old senator, and certainly not the kind enough to keep him from seeking re-election this fall. Onorato has been voting and introducing legislation in Albany this session, and attending community meetings in the district.

“There have been a lot of rumors,” he said. “But the rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.”

He missed sessions in Albany in April and May of 2007 while undergoing radiation therapy to treat prostate cancer in Queens, but most days was at work in his district office.

He was in good condition now, he said.

“It is no different from Giuliani’s cancer. He got treatment, and mine was easier—I had no operation,” he said. “I have a clean bill of health. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be working,” he said.

He looked forward to a vigorous campaign, he said.

Although Democrats considered the district covering Astoria and Long Island City to be a conservative one, their party still outnumbers Republicans five to one. Even some GOP strategists said it was unlikely one of theirs could win a seat under most circumstances.

Democratic political consultant Scott Levenson said he was not aware of the health rumors, but said Onorato was a well-respected incumbent in a Democratic district and should have no problem winning. He did not believe any Democrats would come forward in a primary battle.

“I don’t think anybody would make those moves unless he were no longer running,” he said.

Queens Republicans have picked retired firefighter Tom Dooley to challenge Onorato in November, the first time he has had an opponent since 2004. That year, Onorato beat Republican Daniel Maio by a four-to-one margin.

Robert Hornak, Dooley’s campaign manager and himself a GOP candidate for City Council in Astoria, said voters should judge Onorato on his record.

“I don’t expect health to be an issue, I expect it to be his performance,” he said. “He has had a long and distinguished career, and there is no shame in his retiring at this point.”

The district leans heavily Democratic, making a GOP candidate there a hard sell for voters. A race without the 13-term senator may be more viable. Republicans are said to be seeking a candidate of Greek descent for a future race.

In the meantime, Onorato said the top issue in his district for the campaign was to pass legislation that would allow Con Edison customers to sue the utility. Currently, Con Ed is shielded from liability, limiting customer claims from the 2006 western Queens blackout to small credits on their electric bills.

He also said that as a cancer survivor he had a new appreciation for screenings and intended to raise awareness on such health issues.
Rose Marie Poveromo, president of the western Queens group United Community Civic Association, said he appeared to be in good health while attending their most recent meetings.

“He looked fine, he sounded fine,” she said.

His health had been a topic of conversation, she admitted.
 
“He was on top of our concerns,” she said.