By Peter Sorkin
When Councilman Walter McCaffrey (D-Woodside) challenges U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) for his congressional seat in the Democratic primary Sept. 12, the battle will test old friendships and alliances.
Both have strong ties to local Democrats who have supported their careers, and both have worked very closely with former U.S. Rep. and Queens Democratic Party leader Tom Manton.
In an unexpected move, Manton decided to retire from Congress in July 1998 and handpicked Crowley to succeed him after the deadline had expired for Democratic, Republican or other party contenders to file petitions to enter the race.
This move especially hurt McCaffrey, who was Manton
