(photo: eldiariony.com)

This morning, State Senator Adriano Espaillat's campaign received the endorsement of El Diario La Prensa, and they are rather pleased about it. El Diario, the city's largest Spanish-language publication, is widely read in the heavily Latino district, and Mr. Espaillat needs strong support among Spanish-speaking constituencies to successfully unseat veteran Rep. Charlie Rangel.

To wit, his campaign blasted out the editorial both in English and in Spanish and argued for its significance.

“We’re thrilled to have El Diario’s endorsement, particularly because it is widely respected as a strong voice for progressive causes including immigration reform, the DREAM Act, and economic justice issues like raising the minimum wage," Mr. Espaillat's spokesman told The Politicker about the backing. "All areas where Senator Espaillat has been a leader"

For its part, El Diario was fairly enthusiastic in its support for the Dominican-born Mr. Espaillat, placing the endorsement on the front page of its website and stating in the editorial, "In this race, New York State Senator Adriano Espaillat is by far the strongest challenger and he has stirred enthusiasm among Hispanic and other voters who want to give another leader a chance to advocate for them on Capitol Hill."

Meanwhile, Mr. Rangel has his own endorsement to tout today and is currently receiving the formal backing of Council Speaker Christine Quinn.

Also in the race are three other Democrats: Clyde Williams, Joyce Johnson and Craig Schley.

View the English version of the endorsement below:

Pass the baton in District 13

One of the closest congressional races is in District 13, where Rep. Charles Rangel, a 21-term congressman, is competing against three African-American and one Hispanic candidate.

The fact that Rangel now faces stiff competition inside his own party and base isn't fortuitous. The demographics of the neighborhoods he has represented since 1971 and the ones he would begin representing for the first time in November have changed. After congressional boundaries were redrawn months ago, District 13 expanded to areas like Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx. Latinos account for 55% of voters in Rangel's new district, which includes Washington Heights and East Harlem.

Many residents in that district yearn for new leadership. While Rangel has been a tireless representative, elections can't be based on how long incumbents want to stay in power.

In this race, New York State Senator Adriano Espaillat is by far the strongest challenger and he has stirred enthusiasm among Hispanic and other voters who want to give another leader a chance to advocate for them on Capitol Hill. For 16 years, Espaillat has advocated for initiatives that benefit poor and middle class New Yorkers, with tangible results. His accomplishments include protections for tenants so that they can remain in their homes and for low-wage workers, including bodega owners, hair dressers, livery cab drivers and day care employees.

As a congressman, Espaillat will be a strong voice on immigration reform, the new health care law and other critical issues. We have no doubt that he will represent all of the district's diverse communities very well.

Rangel has emphasized that he would will help defend President Obama's agenda against Republican extremism. However, Rangel's Democratic positions are similar to Espaillat's on issues ranging from the economy to immigration, health care and foreign policy. It's time to pass the baton.

On June 26, we strongly urge voters to head to the polls and cast a decisive vote for Adriano Espaillat.

Adam Clayton Powell IV (Photo: Facebook)

Former Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV doesn't think it will be a good year for Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Mr. Powell gave his grim prognosis after El Diario columnist Roberto Perez asked him and other local politicians to give their predictions for 2012. ""Bloomberg no terminará su tercer término. Será acusado y enviado a la cárcel y Bill Thompson ganará una elección especial de alcalde", Mr. Powell said, or in other words: Bloomberg won't finish his third term. He'll be charged and sent to jail, and Bill Thompson will win a special election for mayor.

Mr. Powell is the son of civil rights leader and former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. He has served in the City Council and as Assemblyman for the 68th District in Manhattan in a political career that lasted nearly two decades. Mr. Powell has mounted two unsuccessful campaigns to unseat Congressman Charles Rangel and has expressed interest in running for the seat again.

Mr. Thompson was a close runner up to Mayor Bloomberg in the 2009 mayoral election. Shortly afterward, he announced his intention to run again in 2013, but he's been rather quiet since then.

Mr. Powell didn't clarify what he thinks Mayor Bloomberg will be arrested for. As of this writing, he has not responded to a request for comment on this story.