Peter Abbate (Photo: NYS Assembly)

Comptroller John Liu may be facing the scrutiny that comes with two associates being convicted of an attempted fraud scheme on his behalf, but his mayoral campaign is still plugging along. Indeed, Mr. Liu will be endorsed by Brooklyn Assemblyman Peter Abbate tomorrow morning, according to a Democratic operative with knowledge of the event.

The endorsement does make some sense. Mr. Abbate, the Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Governmental Employees, is a veteran legislator known for being a staunch backer of public employee unions--something for which Mr. Liu has also made a name for himself doing.

Additionally, Mr. Liu has particularly passionate support in the city's Asian American community and Mr. Abbate's district was redrawn to contain the heart of Brooklyn's Chinese constituencies in Sunset Park and Bensonhurst. He now represents one of just three Asian American-majority Assembly districts in the state.

According to the source, the announcement event will take place in front of the Amico Senior Citizens Center along 13th Avenue.

Mr. Liu has previously been endorsed by Councilmen Peter Koo and Charles Barron

The Working Families Party logo. (Photo: Facebook)

Last night, the labor-backed Working Families Party announced their support in a host of races across the city, beginning with Tish James for public advocate and working their way down to open-seat council campaigns.

The endorsement for Ms. James, a Brooklyn councilwoman, is particularly notable because, with a less sizable campaign war chest than her top rivals, Ms. James' strategy relies on unifying union forces. There are two other citywide races this year, but without a strong labor consensus for mayor and a virtually uncontested race for comptroller, the public advocate competition is relatively unique.

“Tish is always the first one to stand with David and stare down Goliath. For a decade, she's been a leader on every fight that matters to progressives in New York," WFP's executive director Dan Cantor gushed in a statement. "Whether it’s paid sick days, defending our public schools or cracking down on corporate looters, Tish has been out front.”

At a glance, several other candidates also stand out. Carlos Menchaca, for instance, is the only endorsee who's working to unseat a Democratic incumbent--Brooklyn's Sara Gonzalez. Additionally, Igor Oberman, Laurie Cumbo, Austin Shafran and Marc Landis are fighting for votes in very crowded primaries and are surely quite happy with the WFP's seal of approval.

The WFP is still neutral in a few races, especially those with more moderate or establishment-friendly incumbents, but as of last night, the party has weighed in on the vast majority of them.

View the list below, the latest endorsements are bolded:

Public Advocate: Letitia James
Comptroller: Scott Stringer

City Council District 2: Rosie Mendez
City Council District 3: Corey Johnson
City Council District 4: Dan Garodnick
City Council District 5: Micah Kellner
City Council District 6: Marc Landis
City Council District 7: Mark Levine
City Council District 8: Melissa Mark-Viverito
City Council District 10: Ydanis Rodriguez
City Council District 11: Andy Cohen
City Council District 12: Andy King
City Council District 14: Fernando Cabrera
City Council District 15: Ritchie Torres
City Council District 16: Vanessa Gibson
City Council District 18: Annabel Palma
City Council District 19: Austin Shafran
City Council District 21: Julissa Ferreras
City Council District 22: Costa Constantinides
City Council District 23: Mark Weprin
City Council District 24: Rory Lancman
City Council District 25: Danny Dromm
City Council District 26: Jimmy Van Bramer
City Council District 27: Daneek Miller
City Council District 30: Elizabeth Crowley
City Council District 31: Donovan Richards
City Council District 33: Steve Levin
City Council District 34: Antonio Reynoso
City Council District 35: Laurie Cumbo
City Council District 36: Kirsten Foy
City Council District 37: Kim Council
City Council District 38: Carlos Menchaca
City Council District 39: Brad Lander
City Council District 40: Mathieu Eugene
City Council District 41: Darlene Mealy
City Council District 43: Vincent Gentile
City Council District 45: Jumaane Williams
City Council District 46: Alan Maisel
City Council District 48: Igor Oberman
City Council District 49: Debi Rose

Senator Squadron rallying for LICH. (Photo: Facebook)

State Sen. Dan Squadron's campaign for public advocate continued to hum along today as he announced six endorsements from Albany's lower legislative chamber: Assemblymembers Deborah Glick, Brian Kavanagh, Micah Kellner, Dan Quart, Joan Millman and Nily Rozic.

The first four represent Manhattan districts stretching from the Upper East Side down into lower Manhattan, while Ms. Millman--like Mr. Squadron--represents a slice of Brownstone Brooklyn. Ms. Rozic hails from northeastern Queens. For what it's worth, Mr. Kellner, an avid fan of Mr. Squadron's, had signaled his likely intentions some time ago.

In statements, the various endorsers declared their support for Mr. Squadron based on a wide range of issues, including pedestrian and cyclist safety, the fight to save Long Island College Hospital, gay rights and gun control legislation, among others.

"In his tenure as a State Senator, Daniel has proven to be a strong advocate for tenant rights, a partner in our fight to save LICH, and has worked to improve access to our waterfront," Ms. Millman said, for example. "He not only talks about these issues, he has written legislation to correct problems which improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers."

Previously Mr. Squadron has rolled out a number of his fellow state senators as he battles against Councilwoman Letitia James, 2010 congressional candidate Reshma Saujani, teacher Cathy Guerriero and Sidique Wai in this year's Democratic primary. Ms. James in particular has racked up plenty of significant endorsements of her own, including unions, council members and, as of last night, the Three Parks Independent Democrats, a prominent Upper West Side club.

View Mr. Squadron's full announcement below:

NEW YORK -- Today, six Democratic Assemblymembers from across the city endorsed Daniel Squadron for Public Advocate in 2013, including Assemblymembers Deborah Glick (D-Manhattan), Brian Kavanagh (D-Manhattan), Micah Kellner (D-Manhattan), Joan Millman (D-Brooklyn), Dan Quart (D-Manhattan), and Nily Rozic (D-Queens).

Today's announcement follows the endorsements of a broad coalition of State Senators -- Joseph Addabbo (Queens), Martin Malave Dilan (Brooklyn), Michael Gianaris (Queens), Brad Hoylman (Manhattan), Gustavo Rivera (Bronx), and Jose M. Serrano (Manhattan/Bronx).

In January, Squadron was also endorsed by both former Public Advocates, Mark Green and Betsy Gotbaum.

The Assemblymembers underscored Squadron's record of delivering results and fighting for reform, and his vision for the Public Advocate as key in engaging and supporting communities often left behind in local government and ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to opportunity.

"Daniel is a fighter for each and every New Yorker. I've worked with Daniel to support Hudson River Park and protect affordable housing, and I know that he's a true voice for critical progressive reforms, a tireless LGBT ally, and a strong leader who knows how to deliver results. That's why Daniel's the best choice to become our next Public Advocate," said Glick.

"I've been proud to partner with Daniel on countless issues in the community and in Albany, from pedestrian and cyclist safety to a sustainable and strong public housing system. Daniel is a determined, hard-working, and thoughtful reformer, and he doesn't stop fighting until he gets things done. That's why I'm standing with Daniel for Public Advocate," said Kavanagh.

"Daniel is a tireless advocate for the rights of each and every New Yorker, and a reformer who knows how to get things done. He has an incomparable ability to build consensus and achieve real successes, and I know that he'll be a fighter for the East Side and for every single New Yorker. That's why I'm supporting Daniel as our next Public Advocate," said Kellner.

"In his tenure as a State Senator, Daniel has proven to be a strong advocate for tenant rights, a partner in our fight to save LICH, and has worked to improve access to our waterfront. He not only talks about these issues, he has written legislation to correct problems which improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers," said Millman.

"Whether we're talking about his leadership on ethics reform, gun control, and affordable housing, or his tireless advocacy for better transit and more open space, Daniel's been a dynamic and effective Senator. That progressive leadership is exactly what New York City wants and needs in our next Public Advocate -- and Daniel is the best choice for the job," said Quart.

"I've seen Daniel's effectiveness first-hand in his district and in Albany -- and I know he's exactly what our city needs at this critical moment. From education and healthcare, to vital government reform and pay equity for women, Daniel is already an advocate for each and every New Yorker. I'm very proud to support him as our next Public Advocate," said Rozic.

"I'm humbled and honored to have the support of these dynamic leaders as I build my campaign for Public Advocate. Communities across our city need a fighter who will stand up for them and deliver results. Together, we will work to ensure that each and every New Yorker has the opportunity to make a life here," said Squadron.

As of the last filing, Squadron had already raised $2.15 million in direct contributions and expected public matching funds, with nearly $2 million in contributions and matching funds to spend on the race ahead of the Democratic primary. He has built a broad base of grassroots support, with nearly 2000 individual contributors, of whom 70% contributed less than $250. Over 250 New Yorkers have hosted house parties and fundraisers for Squadron. Squadron has never accepted contributions from corporations or special interest PACs.

UFCW. (Photo: Facebook)

As this year's elections begin to heat up ahead of the September primaries, the United Food and Commercial Workers has continued to weigh in. Today, the union announced their endorsements in about two dozen City Council and borough presidency races across the city.

“New York City needs strong, aggressive, and dedicated leaders in the City Council that will champion progressive legislation and fight hard for our members,” Bruce Both, the union's president, said in a statement. “They have earned our support and loyalty and we will work hard to see that they are re-elected.”

The latest endorsements span a bipartisan slate of legislators, tilting towards incumbents and establishment favorites. The one non-incumbent Council endorsement was for the race to replace term-limited Councilman Lew Fidler--UFCW Local 1500 backed Assemblyman Alan Maisel there.

The list can be viewed below, new endorsements are marked with an asterisk.

Public Advocate: Undecided

Brooklyn District Attorney: Undecided

MANHATTAN

Borough President Jessica Lappin

District 1 Undecided
District 2 Rosie Mendez*
District 3 Corey Johnson
District 4 Daniel Garodnick*
District 5 Micah Kellner
District 6 Marc Landis
District 7 Mark Levine
District 8 Melissa Mark-Viverito*
District 9 Inez Dickens*
District 10 Ydanis Rodriguez*

BRONX

Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.*

District 11 Andrew Cohen
District 12 Andy King
District 13 James Vacca*
District 14 Fernando Cabrera*
District 15 Ritchie Torres
District 16 Vanessa Gibson
District 17 Undecided
District 18 Annabel Palma*

QUEENS

Borough President Melinda Katz

District 19 Austin Shafran
District 20 Undecided
District 21 Julissa Ferreras*
District 22 Costa Constaninides
District 23 Mark Weprin*
District 24 Rory Lancman
District 25 Daniel Dromm*
District 26 Jimmy Van Bramer*
District 27 Daneek Miller
District 28 Undecided
District 29 Karen Koslowitz*
District 30 Elizabeth Crowley*
District 31 Donovan Richards
District 32 Undecided

BROOKLYN

Borough President Eric Adams

District 33 Stephen Levin
District 34 Antonio Reynoso
District 35 Undecided
District 36 Kirsten John Foy
District 37 Rafael Espinal
District 38 Undecided
District 39 Brad Lander*
District 40 Undecided
District 41 Darlene Mealy *
District 42 Inez Barron
District 43 Vincent Gentile*
District 44 David G. Greenfield*
District 45 Jumaane D. Williams*
District 46 Alan Maisel*
District 47 Todd Dobrin
District 48 Undecided

STATEN ISLAND

Borough President James Oddo*

District 49 Deborah Rose
District 50 Undecided
District 51 Vincent Ignizio*

(Photo: Facebook)

The New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, a relatively small union known for punching above its weight when it comes to electoral politics, has picked their candidate in the race to replace Council Speaker Chris Quinn: West Side community board chairman Corey Johnson. Josh Gold, HTC's political director, told Politicker that the race of particular importance to the union due to the growth of hotels there in neighborhoods like Midtown South and the Meatpacking District.

"Corey Johnson has been a community leader on the West Side for over a decade," Mr. Gold added in a statement. "He has fought for quality jobs, permanent affordable housing, community-minded development and raising the quality of life for residents in the neighborhoods he seeks to represent."

Referencing the union's high-profile contract dispute with the Central Park Boathouse--which involved taking out ads slamming the restaurant--Mr. Gold further said, "Corey has stood alongside our workers outside the Central Park Boathouse and we plan on standing beside him in his campaign for City Council."

Mr. Johnson is facing off against local activist Alexander Meadows and civil rights attorney Yetta Kurland. Thus far, Mr. Johnson and Ms. Kurland have been regularly rolling out various union endorsements, including TWU Local 100, CWA Local 1180, and District Council 37 for Ms. Kurland and RWDSU, SEIU 32BJ and UFCW 1500 for Mr. Johnson.

Ms. Quinn, of course, is term-limited and running for mayor, leaving a vacant seat behind her for the area's aspiring pols.

(Photo: Facebook)

Over the weekend, the influential Working Families Party announced their support in a number of key races across the city, sending a signal of labor support as candidates vie for a seat in the City Council next year.

“New Yorkers have a huge opportunity to decide the direction of our city. It’s time to choose whether we’ll be a city that caters to the rich and powerful 1%, or whether New York City can work for all of us,” Bill Lipton, the party's deputy director, said in a statement. “Every day New Yorkers can count on WFP-endorsed candidates to stand up for all of us.”

Six endorsements were for open seats, going to Mark Levine, Ritchie Torres, Rory Lancman, Daneek Miller, Antonio Reynoso and Kirsten John Foy. The rest of the endorsements, which can be viewed below, went to incumbents who are generally not facing serious re-election challenges.

As a great number of council members are term-limited out of office this year, organizations like the WFP are hoping to impact enough races so the next City Council Speaker is one sympathetic to their interests.

Incumbents:

City Council District 2: Rosie Mendez
City Council District 8: Melissa Mark-Viverito
City Council District 10: Ydanis Rodriguez
City Council District 12: Andy King
City Council District 21: Julissa Ferreras
City Council District 25: Danny Dromm
City Council District 26: Jimmy Van Bramer
City Council District 30: Elizabeth Crowley
City Council District 31: Donovan Richards
City Council District 39: Brad Lander
City Council District 45: Jumaane Williams
City Council District 49: Debi Rose

(Photo: Getty)

Mayor Michael Bloomberg would really prefer if reporters would cease inquiring about which candidate he'll ultimately endorse in the race to replace him this year. And he conveyed that message again and again at an unrelated press conference earlier this morning.

"I know who I'm going to vote for and I may change my mind between now and then," Mr. Bloomberg declared at one point. “If I do, you're not going to know about it."

"Uh, let me--" Mr. Bloomberg paused.

"Wrap up," Marc La Vorgna, Mr. Bloomberg's press secretary, jumped in. The mayor, however, wasn't about to wrap up.

"These questions aren't substantive and don't inform the public and the reasons that we're trying to help the press is to give the public the information," he stated.

The journalists present were also not about to wrap up on the topic. While Mr. Bloomberg is close to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, he has also reportedly been dissatisfied with the current crop of mayoral candidates and he recently slammed Ms. Quinn's support of an inspector general for the city's police department. Asked about these sorts of potential misgivings, Mr. Bloomberg continued his adamant refusal to weigh in on the race.

"If I have something to say, I'll say it directly to the public," he said. "And who I'm going to vote for I may never choose to say. No, I don't think it's as important as talking about smoking and saving lives and things like that. Keep in mind the election you're talking about is how many months away? Why on Earth would you think it's a subject that's informative to the public today? I don't get it."

After yet another question pertaining to his endorsement, Mr. Bloomberg accused the reporters of not only wasting their own time, but their organization's time as well.

"That's one of the frustrating things, you say it and you say it until you want a different answer," he said. "You know, you have a right to ask it but I don't know why we're going to keep having press conferences and wasting our time. We're not going to spend the whole time between now and the election talking about who I'm going to vote for. If I ever want to endorse somebody, I will tell you. If I want to tell you who I vote for, I will tell you, but it won't come because you asked. So, you're just wasting your employers's time. There's got to be other things that would generate stories that would sell your television program and advertising, your radio advertising, your newspaper advertising."

(Photo: Getty)

This afternoon, Council Speaker Christine Quinn's mayoral campaign officially announced Coney Island Councilman Domenic Recchia's endorsement, presenting it as validation of her leadership in neighborhoods across the city that were devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

“I am thrilled to support her bid for Mayor," Mr. Recchia said in a statement. "After Superstorm Sandy hit, she was one of the first people on the ground in my district, as well as Staten Island and the Rockaways, meeting with community leaders, small business owners, and families who were devastated by the storm. When she wasn’t on site, she was working around the clock to ensure that those impacted would have the resources necessary to rebuild, and that the City would become more resilient to future storms. In times of crisis, New York needs steadfast leadership; that is exactly what Christine Quinn brings to the table.”

The endorsement doesn't come as a surprise as Mr. Recchia, the chair of the Council's influential Finance Committee, has been a loyal Quinn ally. Nevertheless, it's the latest in what has been a small string of endorsements from the city's politicians; Ms. Quinn previously rolled out the support of Manhattan Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Queens Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan.

Overall, most elected officials have been mum on their mayoral preferences, with some council members telling DNAinfo they feared retaliation in the upcoming budget if they endorsed one of her rivals in this early stage. Ms. Quinn denied any such threats exist.

Regardless, another Democrat in the race, Comptroller John Liu, has secured the support of Councilman Charles Barron, a staunch Quinn antagonist, and Councilman Peter Koo, who represents Mr. Liu's old district in the City Council.

Mr. Recchia is seeking to challenge Staten Island Congressman Michael Grimm next year.

Charles Barron. (Photo: Getty)

Although almost all of the city's elected officials have stayed mum on this year's mayoral election, especially on the Democratic side of the aisle, two new politicians have already thrown their support behind different candidates this week. Brooklyn Councilman Charles Barron endorsed Comptroller John Liu for the city's top job and Manhattan Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney did the same for Council Speaker Christine Quinn.

"I think he brings energy. I think he brings real commitment to working class families. He's a fighter against Wall Street," Mr. Barron told Politicker before Mr. Liu's Sunday announcement event. "I think he's done good as comptroller to make sure that we got an equitable share of the contracts and pension investments. I think he'll be the best candidate."

Mr. Barron, of course, has said a raft of controversial statements during his tenure in office. So, during Mr. Liu's hang-out in the press van, we asked if the comptroller embraced the support.

"I worked closely with Charles in the City Council," Mr. Liu said after expressing some initial surprise that Mr. Barron had, in fact, offered his endorsement. "The answer is 'yes,' I would happily accept his endorsement."

For her part, Ms. Maloney announced her support for Ms. Quinn during a press conference today.

"I am incredibly proud to endorse Christine Quinn to be New York’s next Mayor," Ms. Maloney wrote in a follow-up email to Ms. Quinn's supporters. "For the past seven years as Speaker, Chris has held the second most powerful job in City government and she’s proven again and again that she’s tough enough to run this city and make the hard choices a Mayor faces every day."

We also asked Mr. Barron, who has had a very contentious relationship with Ms. Quinn, about whether he considered endorsing her.

"Who? Who?" he replied. "Who? I don't know who you're talking about."

(Photo: Facebook)

Although he won't beat the record of the man he's vying to replace, at 24 years old, Ritchie Torres would be one of the youngest members of City Council ever if he's elected later this year. And so far at least, it seems he's positioning himself well to do exactly that, raising $60,0000 in his latest filing and simultaneously announcing the endorsement of the Hotel Trades Council, a relatively small union known for punching above its weight.

“I am so appreciative for this critical endorsement. The Hotel Trades Council has one of the premier get out the vote operations in the state and I’m excited to have them on my team,” Mr. Torres, a staffer for neighboring Councilman Jimmy Vacca, said in a statement. “HTCs endorsement is transformative for the race, and I look forward to working with them as the next Council Member from the 15th district.

Mr. Torres also recently collected the endorsements of 32BJ SEIU and UFCW, who represent property services and grocery store workers respectively. According to his campaign, "No other candidate in the race for the 15th district has yet to secure any support from organized labor."

He nevertheless faces a crowded field of rivals that includes attorney Raquel Batista, state committeewoman Yudelka Tapia and, notably, "Fake Joel Rivera," a candidate with a name identical to the veteran Bronx councilman whose seat is up for contention.

For his part, Councilman Rivera was just 22 years old when he was first elected.