NY-Sen: Velazquez Pulls Her Name Out Of Consideration To Replace Hillary

by: robert.harding

Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 17:16:53 PM EST

In a statement, Velazquez said she would stay in the House, where she now chairs the Latino Caucus and the Small Business Committee.

"My friend Hillary Clinton has done an outstanding job for New York in the Senate, and will go on to be an exceptional Secretary of State. Our state is fortunate to have many capable, experienced individuals who would serve our state well as her replacement. While I have been proud and humbled to be considered, I have decided to stay as a senior member of the House of Representatives, Chair of the Small Business Committee, and Chair of the Hispanic Caucus.

Going forward, I will keep advocating for more Hispanics in statewide office. With Latinos making up over 16 percent of New York's population, and that number expected to grow - increased representation, at all levels, is paramount to reflect the changing face of our state. Governor Paterson has my full backing as he makes his decision, and I will give my support and counsel to help our next Senator achieve success for New York."

This is somewhat of a surprise considering Velazquez was considered a front-runner at one point. She had a lot to offer. Not only does she have experience as an elected official, but she has experience in Washington D.C. She also gave Governor David Paterson a chance to appeal to two key demographics: Latinos and women.

However, as Liz pointed out, once Velazquez was labeled a front-runner, her name started to get dragged through the mud:

However, almost as soon as Velazquez's name emerged, the whisper campaign began in an effort to tear her down, with detractors quietly reminding reporters about her suicide attempt and questioning her fundraising capability.

It also didn't help matters that the congresswoman doesn't get along with Brooklyn Democratic Chairman Vito Lopez, who flatly informed me when I last saw him in Albany that there was no way Velazquez would become a US senator.

By the sounds of it, those negatives aren't why Velazquez pulled out of the running. I certainly hope she didn't pull out for those reasons.

In any case, she will still be one of New York's strongest Democrats in the House. That is not a bad alternative. We will find a strong U.S. senator to represent us.  

SD-25: Nadler On Schumer's "Personal Loyalty"

by: robert.harding

Mon Aug 04, 2008 at 14:47:09 PM EDT

Nadler: Schumer Puts 'Personal Friendship Over Everything Else'

At a press conference on the City Hall steps just now, incumbent State Senator Marty Connor was endorsed by the five members of Congress whose districts overlap with his: Ed Towns, Nydia Velazquez, Carolyn Maloney and Jerry Nadler. (Yvette Clarke is endorsing him too, but did not attend).

Afterward, I asked the group what they think of Chuck Schumer's support of Connor's opponent, Dan Squadron.

Nadler, the only one to answer the question, offered the following:

"Well, Chuck is entitled to put considerations of personal friendship over everything else that we have talked about, and he's said that's exactly what he has done. Marty's opponent worked for Chuck, is the co-author of his book with him, and I understand a personal loyalty," Nadler said.

"Chuck also said that Marty didn't support him in the primary 15, 10 years ago. He's entitled to make endorsements on the basis he wishes. But I think we're making an endorsement, not on the basis of [who] supported whom ten years ago, or who worked for who, or who is a personal friend, but who we believe is the most progressive, and the most activist, most effective senator for this district."

I wouldn't go as far as saying that Nadler took a shot at Schumer there, although it could be viewed in that light. But all Nadler is saying is that Schumer puts personal relationships over everything else every time. That might be a bad thing but it also could be a good thing, depending on your viewpoint.

This primary is going to be an intense one. Connor has a lot of backing from incumbent Democrats. Squadron has the backing of one of the most prominent incumbent Democrats in the state.  

You can watch the video of Nadler's remarks here.

SD-25: Connor Endorsed By Five Congressmembers

by: robert.harding

Mon Aug 04, 2008 at 12:19:22 PM EDT

Connor was endorsed today by Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, Rep. Nydia Velázquez and Rep. Edolphus Towns. Towns, who is in a primary of his own with Kevin Powell, could not attend the press conference today announcing these endorsements.

Incumbent Democrats have been rallying around Connor, including Democrats at the state level. Last week, Connor was endorsed by Sen. Liz Krueger, Sen. Eric Schneiderman, Sen. Thomas Duane, Sen. Velmanette Montgomery, Sen. Eric Adams and Sen. Martin Dilan. There have also been fundraisers for Connor that have featured many state officials.

Squadron has a big endorsement in his back pocket though. Sen. Chuck Schumer has backed Squadron and notified Connor that he would do so at the DRC convention in April.

More on the Connor endorsements to come.

UPDATE: There was a fifth congressmember to come out and support Connor. Rep. Yvette Clarke also endorsed Connor today.

Here is more on the endorsements today from the press release:

"Marty Connor has my full support for re-election in the Democratic Primary Election. I have worked hand in hand with him on behalf of our constituents on the Lower East Side and in Brooklyn. He is always there fighting for NYCHA residents and tenants. He can always be counted on to stand up for the progressive positions on all the issues. I will be working very hard to insure his re-election. Our constituents need him to continue as their Senator in Albany." - Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez

"Marty Connor has well served our shared constituents in Lower Manhattan, Tribeca and SoHo. After 9/11 we worked jointly to care for the immediate needs of our residents who were in need of assistance and together he joined me in challenging the federal and local governments' false assurances about the environment in Lower Manhattan and the inadequacy of the clean-up. Having served with him in Albany and then as the Congressman representing part of his district I know first-hand of his commitment to progressive politics. I endorse his re-election in the Democratic Primary without reservation."
- Congressman Jerrold Nadler

More praise for Connor from Maloney, Towns and Clarke below the fold.

The New York Democrats That Stood Up For The Rule Of Law

by: phillip anderson

Fri Jun 20, 2008 at 16:03:36 PM EDT

Clarke (NY-11)
Hall (NY-19)
Hinchey (NY-22)
Israel (NY-2)
Maloney (NY-14)
McNulty (NY-21)
Nadler (NY-8)
Rangel (NY-15)
Serrano (NY-16)
Slaughter (NY-28)
Towns (NY-10)
Velazquez (NY-12) (My Congresswoman. Way to go, Nydia.)
Weiner (NY-9)

It should probably go without saying, but all New York House Republicans (with exception of Tom Reynolds, who was apparently napping) voted for this abomination.

NY-13: Rangel Wrangles NYC Dems Behind McMahon

by: phillip anderson

Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 17:20:40 PM EDT

The 12 House members (Ackerman, Clarke, Crowley, Engel, McCarthy, Maloney, Meeks, Nadler, Rangel, Serrano, Towns, and Weiner) issued the following joint statement:

   "Following the lead of local Staten Island and Brooklyn Democrats, the New York City Congressional delegation is proud to stand behind Staten Island Councilman Mike McMahon in his campaign for Congress."

   "This year, we have an historic opportunity to turn the last Republican Congressional district in New York City Democratic. We are committed to seeing that Mike McMahon is successful."

   "In the past eight years, New Yorkers have shown tremendous strength - together we have lived through the horror of 9/11, and we have seen New York soldiers off to war. But the misplaced priorities of the Bush administration have weakened our City, and there is a great deal of work to do to take us in a new direction."

   "We are confident that Mike McMahon will play an important role in bringing our troops home from Iraq, and in winning our fight for good-paying New York jobs, reduced gas prices and quality health care for all Americans."

What's interesting to me is the absence of my Congresswoman's name, Nydia Velazquez. I wonder what that's about.

Rangel: 'NY delegation is unanimous' Behind Obama

by: phillip anderson

Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 15:31:05 PM EDT

Rangel and Company Endorse Obama

Charlie Rangel and the New York Democratic congressional delegation announced their endorsement of Barack Obama today in Washington, D.C.

Rangel said, "We come here collectively to endorse the decision that has been made by our fearless leader, who comes as a member of the state of New York that makes us so proud, and we're here to laud her efforts and what she is about to do."

Video of the press conference can be found here. (My congresswoman, Nydia Velazquez, can be seen right behind Rangel.)

YearlyKos Fundraiser Tomorrow Night in NYC!

by: phillip anderson

Fri Mar 09, 2007 at 17:31:25 PM EST

You'll also be able to meet one of my all time favorite cartoonists, Mr "This Modern World" himself, Tom Tomorrow.

And you'll get to see me do the coolest thing I've done in quite sometime. I will have the honor of introducing my Congresswoman, the Honorable and totally awesome Rep Nydia Velazquez! How cool is that?

The event is being sponsored by Living Liberally, Vaster Books, Young People For The American Way, the NYC Kossack Community and us here at TAP.

In honor of Marcy's book, the fine folks at Eating Liberally have prepared a great Menu Of Mass Deception including; Plame-broiled mini-burgers, pigs-in-a-blanket-denial, leak tartlets, roasted Russert potatoes, Scooter pies, & no-uranium yellow cake. The verdict is in, and it's tasty! Come savor the delightful flavor of skewered scapegoat!

It's going to be a great event. I sure hope you'll come out and play.

Saturday, March 10th - 6-9pm
The Tank @ C:U - 279 Church Street
btw Franklin & White, just below Canal
A,C,E,J,M,N,Q,R,W,Z,6 to Canal; 1 to Franklin

$50 - YearlyKos Suggested Donation (No one turned away)