WFP Goes for De Blasio
March 13th, 2009
De Blasio last year at term limits press conference
Though it’s not the first endorsement, it could be the most weighty so far.
The Working Families Party is putting their bets on Councilmember Bill de Blasio for public advocate giving him the magnitude of manpower that comes with the party line. Working families also endorsed Brad Lander for de Blasio’s seat.
Other public advocate candidates have started racking up endorsements as well. Councilmember Eric Gioia has gotten nods from several unions, including the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union , and Norman Siegel has snagged support from Democracy for New York City.
Mark Green, the former advocate, has an obvious advantage when it comes to name recognition. With John Liu out of the race, this cast of characters will likely be the ones duking it out for the rest of the Democratic groups’ support.
Here is the release from the party sent out last night:
First Endorsements for Grassroots Party in 2009 Races
NEW YORK – The Working Families Party announced today the endorsement
of Councilmember Bill de Blasio for New York City Public Advocate,
noting his career-long leadership on the issues that matter to working
people. Brad Lander was also endorsed in the race for de Blasio’s
Brooklyn Council seat.
“Bill has spent his life taking on and winning the tough fights,” said
Bob Master, Working Families Party Co-Chair. “Whether it is making
sure our schools get their fair share of funding, workers have the
right to join a union, or big developers build affordable housing,
Bill de Blasio has always been there for working families when it
counts.”
Master continued: “There are a lot of great candidates in this race,
but Bill de Blasio is a cut above when it comes to sticking up for
regular New Yorkers – and that’s what the Public Advocate job is all
about.”
“In this city, there’s no more consistent voice for the middle-class
and no bigger grassroots force than the Working Families Party, and
I’m incredibly proud to have their support,” said Bill de Blasio.
“Together, we can make sure that even in America’s biggest city the
voice of the public is heard in the halls of power.”
The endorsement of de Blasio came after a two-thirds majority vote by
the WFP’s New York City Coordinating Council.
Community activist Brad Lander was also endorsed for de Blasio’s
Brooklyn Council district, the 39th, which covers some of the WFP’s
strongest neighborhoods in Northwest Brooklyn.
Dorothy Siegel of Cobble Hill, chair of the Working Families Party
South Brooklyn Club said: “Brad has a consistent record of results on
the issues that matter to working families in our community – helping
seniors save their homes, giving kids a chance to find their first
job, and providing services that our families need. He’s independent,
progressive, and has the courage to stand up for what’s right.”
“I’m honored to have the support of the Working Families Party.” said
Brad Lander. “I’m thrilled to be part of the best progressive team in
the state.”
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