 Even though he was endorsed by influential New York politicians, including Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, State Senator Carl Kruger, New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson, he was also subjected to criticism for his decision to remain in this race-thus potentially splintering the African-American vote in a divided primary-especially after another African-American candidate, Assemblyman Nick Perry, withdrew from the race in May.Carl Andrews was also the subject of criticism from some quarters for his close association with former chairman of the Kings County Democratic Party, and Assemblyman, Clarence Norman, who was forced to resign from his official positions as a result of his indictment and conviction on multiple felony counts of violating election law in late 2005.On August 14, 2006, Andrews received the endorsement of the New York State AFL-CIO.