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SD-32: Ruben Diaz Sr. Also Running on (R) Line

by: Roatti

Mon Jul 14, 2008 at 01:48:46 AM EDT

I just saw this and didn't want it to slip through the cracks- Ruben Diaz Sr. (not to be confused with his genuinely progressive son and Assemblyman, Ruben Diaz Jr.) is also a candidate in the Republican primary this year.

Not only is he running in the Republican primary, he is the only candidate running for the Republican party's nod in his district, thus ensuring he will be the GOP nominee.

I don't see what he is trying to gain by this- his own website states that he beat his Republican opponent in 2006 by a score of 30,184-2,053.

Those familiar with TAP's coverage of Senator Diaz know that he is slowly rounding the bronze age when it comes to issues like gay rights and choice. However, taking the (R) line heading into an election where the Democrats are likely going to take the State Senate raises some serious eyebrows. He has flirted with the Bruno's GOP in the past; I wonder if he is about to reveal his true colors in this cycle.

UPDATE: Danny Hakim of the New York Times has picked this story up and has this statement from Diaz:

"Nobody can take my vote for granted," he said, adding, "no way, no how, and I've been telling that to my conference."
He also said he did not know whether he would support the Senate majority leader, Dean G. Skelos, a Long Island Republican, or the Senate minority leader, Malcolm A. Smith, a Queens Democrat, next year. Mr. Díaz already refused to sign a loyalty pledge to Mr. Smith.
"I don't know, I don't know," Mr. Díaz said when asked which man he would support, adding he would decide "when they sit down with me and talk to me and tell me what they're going to do."

Honestly, what is wrong with this guy??? I'm ready to support any Democrat who primaries him 110%.

Roatti :: SD-32: Ruben Diaz Sr. Also Running on (R) Line

Tags: SD-32, State Senate, Ruben Diaz Sr., (All Tags)

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SD-32: Ruben Diaz Sr. Also Running on (R) Line | 9 comments

Curious (4.00 / 1)

I don't understand this. At best, this seems pointless. At worst, something is afoot.

Diaz is an impediment to enacting a progressive agenda in the Senate, regardless of his party. Yet, I still hope he's not up to something nefarious here. The task of flipping the Senate is hard enough as it currently stands. It does not need to become more difficult.

by: Klugstah @ Mon Jul 14, 2008 at 02:18:27 AM CDT

by: you @ soon

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We should get him to go on record (0.00 / 0)

saying who he will vote for Majority Leader

by: Roatti @ Mon Jul 14, 2008 at 09:29:52 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

SD-32: Ruben Diaz Sr. Also Running on (R) Line (4.00 / 1)

Why hasn't anyone primary challenged this hate-mongering bigot yet?

He's already said that if a situation arose where his vote would determine which party controls the state senate, that he'd join the Republicans.

by: BluePoster @ Mon Jul 14, 2008 at 09:04:23 AM CDT

by: you @ soon

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because he has that (4.00 / 1)

bronx district completely wired.

TODAY is day one. It always is.

by: phillip anderson @ Mon Jul 14, 2008 at 09:08:07 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

There may be some good news (4.00 / 2)

I'm not sure if anyone is familiar with the war in the Bronx between the Democratic party machine and their candidates and officials and a bunch of anti-establishment candidates and their incumbents. Read This post on Room 8 where all possible primaries are listed based on who filed petitions. I just happened to notice this on the page

32nd SD Senator Ruben Diaz (Rainbow) has 2 opponents - Israel Cruz (County) & Luis Monge

First of all, rainbow means Diaz is not the party backed candidate, as he is listed as a cnadidate of the Rainbow Challenge who are seeking to oust the party's people (does anybody smell irony that Diaz is accociated with any group of people calling themselves rainbow lol). Anyway, if this is true, and I hope it is, I can see myself hopping on the subway to the Bronx on many days in August and early September to help this homophobic bigot lose re-election. Obvious, we should look into this Israel Cruz guy and see if it is worth supporting him, since obviously he will have plenty of party resources to help him if he indeed is the party candidate in the primary against Diaz. Then, if he is fine enough for us to support him, we can eventually help him in the general election against the Republican candidate Ruben Diaz Sr.

by: stevenman5000 @ Mon Jul 14, 2008 at 09:56:17 AM CDT

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Less than 10,000 (0.00 / 1)

GOPers in the 32nd, does not seem like a smart move by Diaz. I respect that fact that he stands up for the good morals that society seems to be lacking.

by: noel951 @ Mon Jul 14, 2008 at 11:15:55 AM CDT

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Yes (4.00 / 4)

Homophobia is indeed a sign of good morals, although, I do not think society is lacking in this particular regard.

by: Klugstah @ Mon Jul 14, 2008 at 11:43:04 AM CDT

[ Parent ]