Brooklyn Dems Hit With $190K in Judge Donations, Sparking Pay-to-Play Debate

Brooklyn Democratic leaders Frank Seddio and Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn, along with allies, have raked in about $190,000 from judges and judicial candidates since 2012, plus additional payments linked to political clubs, prompting critics to call it a pay-to-play dynamic that could influence endorsements. Officials say donations were permitted under existing rules, but watchdogs argue rules are being bypassed and demand a broader probe into the potential erosion of judicial independence.