Kenny Kramer

With the Libertarian Party nomination secured, Kenny Kramer
is officially set to wage a "guerrilla" campaign to become
the next mayor of New York City.
The man who inspired the wacky Cosmo Kramer character on the
hit television show Seinfeld received the nomination at the
New York LP convention in Manhattan on April 28.
Kramer, 57, said he plans to run a "guerrilla-type"
campaign -- much like Jesse Ventura's successful bid for
governor of Minnesota in 1998, when the former wrestler
"came out of nowhere" to stun state Democrats and
Republicans.
"The situation between me and Jesse is very similar," said
Kramer. "He is a celebrity, and many people thought his
campaign was just a publicity stunt, which is what many
people may think of me.
"But I believe that when people see I'm serious about the
job and informed on the issues, they will see me as a
favorable alternative."
And like Ventura, Kramer said his campaign will exploit his
celebrity status -- which he gained in the early 1990s when
the Seinfeld show became a ratings blockbuster for NBC.
With his connection to the popular Cosmo Kramer character --
he lived next to the show's co-creator Larry David and
served as the model for Jerry Seinfeld's larger-than-life
fictional friend -- Kramer launched the "Seinfeld Reality
Tour," busing tourists to New York City landmarks made
famous by the Seinfeld show. The tour is now in its sixth
year.
After almost a decade in the public spotlight, the New York
Times said in a recent article that Kramer may "have better
name recognition than any other candidate for mayor."
Kramer acknowledged that some people may harbor doubts
concerning his credibility as a political candidate. He also
admitted that in 1997, when he sought the Democratic Party
nomination for mayor, he did so mainly for publicity.
But Kramer -- who has held an eclectic mix of jobs,
including stand-up comedian, reggae band manager, karate
coach, and disco jewelry manufacturer -- said his current
bid for mayor is no joke.
"Four years ago, when I sought the Democratic nomination,
everyone knew that nobody was going to beat [incumbent
Republican Mayor] Rudy Giulianni," he said. "But now,
Giulianni is going to be term-limited out of office and the
seat is up for grabs.
"I believe it is an excellent opportunity to show voters
that there is an alternative candidate who can win. I'm in
it to win it. And this time I'm not kidding."
New York LP State Chair Richard Cooper said Kramer's
nomination will be a major boost to party name recognition.
"[The state party] has received inquiries and expressions of
support as well."
"Obviously, I need to stand on issues that mesh with
[Libertarian ideas], but they must also be saleable to New
Yorkers," he said. "Already I know that I will focus on
ending victimless crimes such as drug use. But right now, I
have other immediate challenges to face."
In order to raise money and awareness of his campaign,
Kramer said he is waging an all-out media blitz, and plans
to continue doing as many interviews as he possibly can.
"I've been doing radio morning, noon, and night, and even
television appearances," he said.
Kramer also said he plans to buy ads in local newspapers
such as the Village Voice and on local cable television.