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Volume XXI • Number 29 • July 17 - 23, 2014 •
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Koppell’s candidacy appears to falter G. Oliver Koppell’s longshot campaign to unseat State Senator Jeff Klein saw several major setbacks this week. State Senator Klein picked up the endorsement of Mayor Bill de Blasio this past week. Mayor de Blasio threw his support behind the Independent Democratic Conference leader over the former Attorney General and City Council Member, dealing a major blow to the “progressive” rationale behind Koppell’s campaign. “Throughout this past session, Sen. Jeff Klein...worked tirelessly on behalf of the residents of New York City and helped make progress on issues that had been stalled for far too long,” Mayor de Blasio said in a statement. “As part of a united Democratic majority in the State Senate, I look forward to working with Sen. Klein...as we work to implement a progressive agenda, including increasing the minimum wage, expanding affordable housing, ensuring women’s equality, passing the DREAM Act and much more.” For his part, State Senator Klein was thrilled to pick of the backing of the first-year mayor. “As Co-leader of the State Senate, I partnered with Mayor de Blasio to deliver $300 million for full day Universal Pre-K, brought home 120 additional speed cameras for school zones and passed life-saving legislation to reduce the City’s speed limit, a crucial piece of his Vision Zero plan. We both agree that there’s still more work to be done including, passing the DREAM Act, protecting a woman’s right to choose and enacting real, meaningful campaign finance reform. I’m honored to receive his endorsement and look forward to achieving more Democratic victories for all New Yorkers,” said State Senator Klein. In contrast, Koppell attacked the endorsement, and claimed that he was the only
candidate who could bring true Democratic Party leadership to Albany. “One cannot make deals with individuals whose track record points only to untrustworthiness--individuals who make promises in an attempt to avoid primaries,” said Koppell. Koppell, who filed a respectable 5,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot in September, also saw the Working Families Party officially switch from supporting his campaign to going neutral, and saw the State Senate’s Democratic Conference officially back away from his candidacy. ”While we consider Oliver Koppell a great progressive leader and a dedicated public servant, the Senate Democrats will not be supporting Oliver Koppell in his primary run,” said State Senate Democratic Leader Andrea
Stewart-Cousins this week. “We will continue working as coalition partners in the days to come to avoid unnecessary distractions and strengthen our mutual efforts to elect more Democrats and enact the progressive agenda that remains incomplete.” The official Democratic supports comes after the recent deal between Senate Democrats and the IDC that ensures the two groups will work to form a coalition in the next legislative session. In exchange, State Senator Klein announced that he would not support City Council Member Fernando Cabrera in his bid to unseat State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “The Independent Democratic Conference’s main goal is to elect Democrats who share a progressive vision for the Senate come November,” said State Senator Klein.
“While Fernando Cabrera’s a hardworking elected official who has fought in the City Council for his constituents, he falls short on key litmus test issues supported by all the members of the I.D.C. and important to a coalition that accomplishes these goals. We cannot support his candidacy.” Council Member Cabrera has been surrounded by considerable controversy in recent months. Late last year, evidence surfaced that he sought to block the construction of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center at the Kingsbridge Armory unless a major contribution was made to an organization he controlled. Several weeks ago, it was revealed that Council Member Cabrera had appeared on a radio show of the Family Research Council, which was
labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center four years ago. In positive news, Koppell showed his gratitude to those who signed his petitions, and promised to be victorious in September. “I am grateful to the 84 volunteers who served as petition carriers for this campaign to win back the 34th State Senate seat for a progressive Democratic agenda,” said Koppell. State Senator Klein also picked up the endorsement of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association this week. “We proudly endorse Senator Klein for reelection again this year. Senator Klein has once again proved that he can navigate through Albany’s dynamic political road map with proven results,” said union said president Thomas Mungeer.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. addressed the participants in the “Bronx 100 Scavenger Hunt” prior to the events kickoff on Saturday, July 12. The event saw 25 teams from all over the region showcase their knowledge of Bronx history and culture, with a grand prize of $2,500 awarded to the winner.