Vallone Leads Crowded BP Race: Report

City Councilman Peter Vallone leads a crowded field of candidates vying for the Queens Borough President's seat, according to a poll obtained by the New York Daily News.

The paper reported that Vallone enjoyed a base of support among 26 percent of Democrats polled, beating rivals like Tony Avella, Leroy Comrie, and Forest Hills' Melinda Katz by between 11 and 19 percent.

Vallone also has the largest war chest of the bunch, according to the New York City Campaign Finance Board, with more than $1 million in donations for a race still months away.

The report quoted staff members of other candidates downplaying the methods and the timing of the poll, saying it was likely unreliable.

Vallone's spokesman, on the other hand, released a statement touting the results.

"This poll confirms that Peter F. Vallone Jr. is well on his way to becoming the next Queens Borough President," said Austin Shafran, through Vallone's campaign. "Queens residents clearly appreciate that Council Member Vallone has been fighting tirelessly for them on the issues that matter most."