Ray Kelly: We know little about mayoral candidates' views on terrorist threats

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly Monday made a rare foray into the mayoral race frenzy, saying none of the candidates have asked for an NYPD briefing about terrorist threats at a time when "the threat of terrorism is as great, if not greater, today" than it was before 9/11.

Speaking at a breakfast sponsored by the Association for a Better New York and the Council on Foreign Relations, Kelly said the public knows little about the candidates' views on defending against terrorism in the city.

"Arguably the most important [responsibility] is to protect the city from another terrorist attack," Kelly said. "It's critically important that our efforts be sustained in the next administration. But where do the candidates stand on these issues? Surprisingly, we haven't heard much."

Kelly added: "I can tell you that none of the candidates has requested a briefing from the police department on this topic. I believe the public has a right to ask them some important questions."

The commissioner earlier this year declined calls for him to run for mayor and has mostly stayed out of the fray, though he and the NYPD - specifically the stop and frisk program - have been major factors in the campaign season.