Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Meet Nikki Lucas

Running in the 42nd District, currently represented by Charles Barron.  Click here for her website.


Politicker: Mark Levine Rolls Out Endorsements

(Photo: Facebook)Colin Campbell writes:

Mark Levine, a Democratic district leader campaigning for the seat held by outgoing Councilman Robert Jackson, is flexing his political muscles even as attention in the race has shifted to the racially-charged epithets used against him and his supporters. Indeed, this morning Mr. Levine announced he has received the formal endorsements of three notable elected officials on the northern side of Manhattan: Congressman Jerry Nadler, State Senator Adriano Espaillat and Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito. [Politicker]




Monday, January 7, 2013

Candidate Launches Hurricane Sandy-Themed Political Party

Ross Barkan writes:

A candidate for City Council in a Sandy-ravaged Far Rockaway district is running on a hurricane-themed party line. Selvena Brooks is filing petitions to get on the ballot under the name of the “Rebuild Now” party.
Ms. Brooks, a communications specialist with the Service Employees International Union, will join a crowded field the special election to replace James Sanders in the 31st District.

...The election, set for Feb. 19, has attracted a slew of candidates. Mr. Sanders’ former chief of staff, Donovan Richards, is a considered the front runner. However, Ms. Brooks, who has worked in the State Senate, will be one of several candidates with legitimate credentials in the race including; Attorney Jacques Leandre, community activist Mike Duncan, marketing firm head Earnest Flowers, Community Board 8 District Manager Marie Adam-Ovide and Pesach Osina, a staffer of Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. [Politicker]

WSJ: Thompson Starts Making His Move


imageMichael Howard Saul writes: 
New York City mayoral candidate Bill Thompson has begun working part-time at his Wall Street job to focus on his campaign, vowing to dispel the notion that he lacks the drive to win City Hall. 

In an interview, Mr. Thompson said he would leave his job altogether in March to wage a vigorous fight in his second bid for mayor. He has 10 campaign fundraisers planned for this week and has stepped up his schedule of public events in recent months. [Wall Street Journal]


Sunday, January 6, 2013

NY Post: Blunt-talkin’ Lhota


David Seifman writes: 

While serving as the top deputy to former Mayor Giuliani, Joe Lhota urged the chancellor of the City University to expel students editors of the Hunter College newspaper who published disquieting pictures of Jesus crucified on the cross and wearing a condom.

...The letter was unearthed by The Post in the Municipal Archives, which is sure to be swarming with “oppo” researchers once Lhota officially declares his candidacy for mayor on the Republican line later this month. [NY Post]

Village Voice: Brooklyn Deserves a New D.A

Graham Rayman writes: 

"There have been repeated allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, political influence peddling, and basic ineptitude. Hynes has been widely criticized, for example, for shielding rapists and pedophiles in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities in Brooklyn as a way of currying favor with politically influential rabbis. And several high-profile criminal cases have fallen apart after revelations that his office has either manipulated evidence or withheld exculpatory evidence it is required to disclose to defense attorneys. In several cases, innocent men spent months or even years behind bars." [Village Voice]


City & State: Restler Will Decide Soon Whether to Challenge Levin

Former state committeeman Lincoln Restler said on Thursday he will make a decision on whether to challenge Councilman Steve Levin by the end of the month. [City & State]

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Martha Taylor Makes Another Run for City Council

Back in 2008, Martha Taylor launched a bid for the 24th Council District (currently represented by James Gennaro).  Looks like she is trying it again, with help from Queens County Democratic Chairman Joe Crowley and a lot of other officials.

Friday, January 4, 2013

NY1: Sal Albanese Explains Run For Mayor




Former City Councilman Sal Albanese talks about why he’s running for Mayor in 2013. [Road to City Hall]

Liu May Testify In Fraud Case Of Campaign Fundraiser



NY1 has learned that the comptroller could be called to testify in the fraud trial of a campaign fundraiser, Oliver Pan.
In court filings Friday, the comptroller and his top campaign aides, like Chung Seto, are listed as potential witnesses for the defense.
Both Pan and Jenny Hou, Liu's former campaign treasurer, face fraud charges for allegedly concocting a straw donor scheme to get over-the-limit campaign donations to the comptroller.
This comes as Liu considers a run for mayor this year.
"I am just looking forward to the trial's beginning," Liu said when asked about the trial Friday. "I think the more information that comes out, the better it is for everybody." [NY1]

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Team Espaillat Backs Julie Menin for Manhattan Borough President



Julie Menin rolls up endorsements from State Senator Adriano Espaillat and two other officials in his political orbit, Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez and Assemblywoman Gabriela Rosa.  [Politicker]

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Constantinides Endorsed by New York City Council Progressive Caucus Alliance


Costa ConstantinidesCosta Constantinides was one of the first candidates endorsed by the New York City Council’s Progressive Caucus for the Council’s 22nd District, which represents Astoria along with parts of Long Island City and Woodside. 
...Costa has previously been endorsed by New York’s Working Families Party and the UFCW Local 1500, the largest supermarket union in the city. 
Costa Constantinides is a grassroots community organizer, attorney, progressive political leader, husband and father who has lived in Astoria his whole life.  In 2009, Costa was elected as the Democratic District Leader for the 36th Assembly District. [Queens Gazette]