Perhaps the two biggest bigwigs in the Bronx Party organization have come down on the right side:
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz endorsed Gustavo Rivera for State Senate today, the latest endorsements for Rivera's surging campaign against scandal-ridden incumbent Senator Pedro Espada.
Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. said: "It is time for change in Albany, and Gustavo Rivera will bring that change to the 33rd District. Gustavo Rivera is committed to reform, in both the Bronx and in Albany, and will fight for the people of his district, the Bronx and the entire State. Not only is Mr. Rivera a smart candidate with real ideas for improving the lives of his future constituents in areas such as housing, healthcare and quality of life issues, he is a true Democrat who--unlike the unfortunate incumbent Pedro Espada--will not abandon the shared principles of both his party and the voters who sent him to Albany. In Gustavo Rivera we have a bright, intelligent young man who shares my vision for a better Bronx for all 1.4 million of its residents, and together we will continue to work to make our neighborhoods great. I urge all voters in the 33rd District to join me in supporting Gustavo Rivera for State Senate."
Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said: "I endorse Gustavo Rivera. He will help bring much-needed reform to Albany, particularly the State Senate. As Assemblyman for the northwest Bronx, I know the urgent need for change in the 33rd senate district. Sadly, Pedro Espada is the poster child for what's wrong with Albany. Whether it's his role in the Republican coup, his consistent flouting of campaign finance laws, or his use of his position to block passage of desperately-needed pro-tenant legislation, it's clear that we must make a change. I would go so far as to say that it's a moral imperative that Senator Espada be defeated. Fortunately, the voters have an excellent alternative: Gustavo Rivera. He will be a true Democrat, committed to Democratic ideals. His skills as an educator, as a labor organizer for the Obama campaign, and his work for key elected officials give him the wealth of knowledge and experience that we need. I look forward to his being my partner in Albany, and I proudly and strongly endorse his candidacy."
"Ruben Diaz Jr. and Jeffrey Dinowitz have served the Bronx with distinction, fighting for living wage jobs, good schools, affordable housing and much more," said Gustavo Rivera. "I am honored to have the support of distinguished leaders like these for my campaign."
Notably absent from from the list of Rivera supporters is corrupt Bronx Boss Carl Heastie, but hopefully after Pedro loses, he will also lose his job. Regardless, Diaz Jr. and Dinowitz have enormous influence in the Bronx organization and hopefully they can put the boots on the ground that will back up this endorsement with real effect. I also want to note that when Dinowitz decided not to remove Pedro from the party, I was initially disappointed. But now that he moved past that decision, he no longer has to put on the appearance of impartiality and can become an effective Rivera partisan. If he rallies the troops and helps produce a Rivera victory, history will show that Dinowitz made a very wise decision.
The final thing to note here is that all the anti-Pedro eggs are in the Rivera basket. I hope Daniel Padernacht can see the writing on the wall and endorse Rivera for the good of our state and for the values I hope he believes in.
On the web:
Gustavo Rivera for State Senate
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