City Comptroller John Liu. (Photo: Getty Images)

City Comptroller John Liu will announce the endorsement of a slew of Democratic officials from across Brooklyn Friday in another effort by his mayoral campaign to show he's gaining steam, despite the recent guilty verdicts against his former campaign treasurer and a fund-raiser.

The supporters include Assemblywoman Inez Barron, City Council candidate Ari Kagan, and Democratic district leaders Melba Brown, Betty Ann Canizio, Jeanette Givant,  Christopher Olechowski, Chris Owens, Corey Provost and Charles Ragusa.

The ethnically diverse batch of endorsers hail from neighborhoods across the borough, including Greenpoint, East New York, Crown Heights, Bensonhurst and Brighton Beach. Additionally, they include both establishment-types like Mr. Olechowski--who defeated Lincoln Restler, a thorn in the side of the county leadership--last year, and at least one Brownstone Brooklyn reformer in the form of Mr. Owens.

"New Yorkers need independent and effective leadership who will stand up for communities across the city and tackle the problems of poverty, systemic unemployment, school closings, racial profiling, foreclosures and low paying jobs,” said Ms. Barron, the wife of outspoken City Councilman Charles Barron, in a statement. “We need immediate change and the best mayoral candidate to offer bold solutions and get things done is John Liu.” Mr. Barron, also a district leader, had previously endorsed Mr. Liu.

"I support John for Mayor because he understands the needs of all people with different social economic backgrounds who need help making ends meet and the reforms needed to give our students a solid education to compete in this global economy,” said Ms. Canizio.

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)

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

Charles Barron (Photo: Getty)

Outspoken Councilman Charles Barron is backing John Liu in the New York City mayoral election this year and he's also getting involved in races out of state. On Tuesday, Mr. Barron served on the host committee of a Soho fundraiser for Chokwe Lumumba, who is running for mayor in Jackson Mississippi. Mr. Lumumba is an attorney and City Council member whom Mr. Barron said he has known for years through their work in activist circles.

"Chokwe Lumumba is a long-time friend and freedom fighter," Mr. Barron told Politicker at a forum on stop-and-frisk last night in Brooklyn. "He got elected to the City Council in Jackson, Mississippi, which is, you know, a majority-black population town. There's seven Council Members. So it's good to see black, strong, conscious people getting involved in the electoral arena. And [when] he becomes mayor of Jackson Mississippi--that's going to be a historic moment."

Mr. Lumumba was a key member of the Republic of New Afrika movement, a group that began in the late 1960's and was dedicated to pushing for slavery reparations and the establishment of a sovereign, African-American nation located in the southeastern United States. Now, Mr. Lumumba is among a crowded field of candidates who are vying to replace incumbent Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr., who's running for a second term. Mr. Lumumba has described his platform as being based on the idea "that Love plus the Power of the people equals progress."

"It's going to be great for all people to see a new kind of leadership that's a lover of human rights, effective in dealing with an objective--a locked-out, a most oppressed people in the country. He has a history of going all over the country doing that," said Mr. Barron of Mr. Lumumba.

Newark Councilman Ras Baraka was also on the host committee of Mr. Lumumba's Manhattan fundraiser and his father, the controversial poet, playwright and activist Amiri Baraka, performed at the event. The younger Mr. Baraka has declared his intention to run for mayor in Newark and Mr. Barron said he would be backing him as well as Mr. Lumumba.

"So to support Chokwe Lumumba for mayor, and looking at Ras Baraka, Amiri Baraka's son--I'm supporting him for mayor of Newark," said Mr. Barron. "Get rid of the Cory Bookers, the sell-outs, those who are afraid to speak truth to power. It's going to be beautiful day."

Joe Lhota and Tom Allon dining together at Michael's.

About two hours after announcing he was ending his campaign for mayor, local media mogul Tom Allon had lunch with a man he would have faced off against in September's Republican mayoral primary, former MTA chairman Joe Lhota. Both men insisted their meal at Michael's in Midtown was already on the schedule and wasn't a sign Mr. Allon will be endorsing Mr. Lhota following his departure from the race.

"We had an appointment to meet a couple weeks ago and it's just by happenstance," Mr. Lhota said when asked about the timing of the meal. "It's the honest to god truth."

"Anybody that reads anything into it is coming up with their own conclusions," added Mr. Allon. "I'm happy to meet with any candidate who has interest in hearing my views on education, but I happen to agree with Joe on many things and I like him a lot."

Mr. Allon and Mr. Lhota spent over an hour together at the legendary power lunch spot. Mr. Lhota ate cobb salad while Mr. Allon had chicken. They did not enjoy any alcoholic beverages and split the check leaving a combined tip that was ever-so-slightly under twenty percent. At the conclusion of their meal, the two politicos ended up getting grilled by Politicker and Daily News reporter Celeste Katz who got wind of the meeting and showed up to see what the pair was discussing.

Mr. Allon said there were three factors behind his decision to drop out. He cited a desire to spend more time with his young daughters and the reasoning he described in his statement announcing the decision--that he had an opportunity to acquire City and State, the political newspaper formerly owned by the company he was CEO of, Manhattan Media. Mr. Allon also admitted his campaign didn't seem to be catching on with voters and had nearly emptied its war chest, most of which came from his own pocket. He said he does not expect to "see that money again."

"I wasn't getting traction, there's no doubt," said Mr. Allon.

Mr. Allon was a longtime Democrat, but he joined the Republican Party and launched what he described as a "fusion candidacy" on both the Liberal and Republican party lines about five months ago. He said Mr. Lhota and billionaire John Catsimatidis both prevented him from attracting more voters when they kicked off their own GOP mayoral campaigns soon after.

"Listen, when Joe and John entered the race, there was little room for someone like me on the Republican side," said Mr. Allon. "Joe is a true Republican. John is very wealthy."

Mr. Lhota chuckled when his dining companion described his as a "true Republican."

"My social issues get me kicked out of the room," explained Mr. Lhota about where he differs with the GOP.

According to Mr. Allon, in addition to making it harder for him to win, Mr. Lhota's entry into the mayoral race made it easier for him to drop out.

"I have an affection for Joe and, actually, I have to say, one of the reasons I felt comfortable jumping out of the race is because I knew Joe jumped in," said Mr. Allon. "I feel that voters have a good choice now."

Despite his praise for Mr. Lhota, Mr. Allon said he won't be endorsing because of his new role with City and State. As part of his acquisition of the paper, he said he relinquished his role with Manhattan Media and started a new, separate company, City and State NY LLC, last week.

"I'm going to be owning a majority stake in City and State. ... I'm going to be spending 100 percent of my time on it whereas I spent five percent of my time beforehand. And by the way, I was totally handcuffed editorially before, because I recused myself completely. Now I don't have to tiptoe around the editorial department," Mr. Allon said. "I'm not making any endorsements. ... I would love to make an endorsement ... City and State never makes [endorsements]. ... I said to my reporters and editors this morning, I apologize for the last year-and-a-half because I know I made your lives difficult. I am going to not do that anymore, so now I'm a publisher and a private citizen."

In his new capacity as a "private citizen," Mr. Allon said he will happy to meet with the mayoral candidates and "advise" them. He wouldn't rule out a potential run for office down the road, but if Mr. Lhota is victorious, Mr. Allon said he would not launch another mayoral bid until Mr. Lhota finishes his two terms.

When Politicker informed Mr. Catsimatidis about Mr. Allon's departure from the race, the billionaire said he would want to have Mr. Allon "running" the public education system in a hypothetical Catsimatidis administration. We asked Mr. Allon if he would be willing to leave his new, expanded role at City and State if he got that offer.

"I'm going to be focusing on a private business for the next couple years," said Mr. Allon. "Maybe in a Lhota or Catsimatidis second term I could be chancellor."

Mr. Allon also said he would be willing to take a position in the administration of Democrat Bill Thompson if he secures himself a second term.

Since Mr. Allon seemed willing to work with Mr. Lhota in 2017, we asked Mr. Lhota if he would be willing to promise Mr. Allon a spot in his administration as Mr. Catsimatidis had. 

"It's illegal to do that," Mr. Lhota said.

Councilman Robert Jackson (Photo: Facebook)

"For more than 30 years, Robert Jackson has fought for New York City's public school children and has been their champion and advocate," Mr. Mulgrew said. "He understands personally the power of education and has fought to make sure every child has the chance for the best education possible."

In his statement, Mr. Mulgrew specifically cited a 1993 lawsuit Mr. Jackson participated in arguing the state's methods for allocating public education funds did not adequately provide for New York City children. Mr. Jackson, who was a public school parent at the time, walked the 150 miles from the five boroughs to Albany to spotlight the case.

"From suing the state and walking 150 miles to Albany to fix a school aid formula that was cheating our public school children to standing up against unfair school closures and budget cuts, Robert Jackson has fought tirelessly for our children, their parents and the entire school community," said Mr. Mulgrew. "He knows how to get things done and has a record to prove it. Robert has worked hard for everything he has achieved. He is a leader we can trust, who will stand on principle, bring people together and be a great Borough President of Manhattan."

Mr. Jackson, who is prevented by term limits from keeping his Council seat, is facing a crowded field in his bid for the Manhattan borough presidency. Former community board chair Julie Menin and Councilwoman Jessica Lappin are both in the race. Last year, Councilwoman Gale Brewer also said she would be running for borough president, but she has not officially launched a campaign. The current borough president, Scott Stringer, is running for comptroller. Though Mr. Jackson has lagged behind some of his rivals in terms of fundraising, his campaign sees the endorsement of the influential, 200,000-member-strong UFT as a sign of major progress.

"My campaign is getting a great reception every place we go. This is a major endorsement and another sign of the momentum we are feeling as we build a large and diverse grassroots campaign that is moving this campaign forward," Mr. Jackson said in a statement on the endorsement. "I look forward to working with the UFT to win this campaign. Together, we can make a difference for families today, and for generations to come."

(Photo: Facebook)

It's a good day for former Assemblyman Rory Lancman.

Mr. Lancman, a candidate for outgoing Councilman Jim Gennaro's seat, was first welcomed to the news that his top opponent, Martha Taylor, had dropped out of the race. Giving him a further boost, this afternoon, Mr. Lancman scored the endorsement of the Hotel Trades Council, a small but politically powerful union that successfully worked on behalf of Mr. Lancman's competitor in a congressional campaign last year.

"I can't wait to reshape our City's priorities towards lifting up working New Yorkers, and no one has consistently done just that like the men and women of the Hotel Trades Council -- I'm grateful for their support," Mr. Lancman said in a statement.

Additionally, HTC announced two other endorsements this afternoon: Donovan Richards and Costa Constantinides.

Mr. Richards, formerly Councilman James Sanders' chief of staff, is campaigning in the February 19th special election for his boss' southeastern Queens district, left vacant when Mr. Sanders joined the New York State Senate. Mr. Constantinides is a candidate vying to replace term-limited Astoria Councilman Peter Vallone.

Mr. Lancman still faces Isaac Sasson, a lottery winner and millionaire, in his Democratic primary, currently scheduled for September later this year.

Robert Jackson

Over the weekend, Thomas Lopez-Pierre, an uptown activist who has been running a Council campaign characterized by a series of angry, racially charged emails sent another missive endorsing Robert Jackson, the man he's trying to replace. Mr. Jackson is prevented by term limits from running for re-election to his council seat and is instead pursuing the Manhattan borough presidency. However, Mr. Jackson is clearly not eager to have Mr. Lopez-Pierre's endorsement.

“We totally reject Thomas Lopez-Pierre. Throughout his life, Robert Jackson has been a leader fighting for justice and understanding and against bigotry and intolerance," Richard Fife, Mr. Jackson's spokesman, said in a statement. "He has condemned the racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic rants of Lopez-Pierre in the strongest way possible."

Mr. Lopez-Pierre's earlier emails have targeted Mark Levine, one of his rivals in the race to replace Mr. Jackson, as a "a White/Jewish candidate" who, if elected, would potentially damage "the political empowerment of the Black and Hispanic community" in the Upper Manhattan council district. He has also blasted Brian Benjamin, an uptown realtor, as an "Uncle Tom" who "sold out the Black people of Harlem" by supporting Mr. Levine. Mr. Lopez-Pierre's latest message came after Mr. Jackson responded to his initial missives by joining with other area politicians by signing onto a "Say No To Hate" petition condemning "the use of discriminatory language and rhetoric in all 2013 New York City political races" and issuing a joint statement "condemning the hateful language used by Thomas Lopez-Pierre" that referred to his emails as "despicable" and "shameful."

In spite of Mr. Jackson's harsh criticism of him, Mr. Lopez-Pierre said he is eager to support Mr. Jackson's bid for the Manhattan borough presidency in his latest email.

"I plan to vote for you and encourage my Black and Hispanic supporters to vote for you (and encourage my contributors to give to your campaign, please advise me on who I should speak with about contributing to your campaign) as the next Manhattan Borough President," Mr. Lopez-Pierre wrote. "Yes, you can consider this email an official endorsement from Thomas Lopez-Pierre for your campaign for Manhattan Borough President."

Mr. Lopez-Pierre's endorsement email also addressed Mr. Jackson's joint statement against him. While he said he agreed in principle with the statement's sentiment that the Upper Manhattan council district draws "strength" from being "one of the most diverse in the city," Mr. Lopez-Pierre said Mr. Jackson's statement did not recognize that, in practice, "White/Jewish" and "Asian residents" pose a threat to black and Latino members of the community.

"For Black and Hispanic tenants in the 7^th Council District, the so called diversity you speak of in your 'Joint Statement' means that Black and Hispanic tenants get pushed out of their apartments to make way for White/Jewish people and other high income people," Mr. Lopez-Pierre wrote. "What you failed to mention in your 'Joint Statement' was that the White/Jewish people moving to Upper Manhattan are NOT moving here to live in social-economic peace, in brotherhood with low income Black and Hispanic people–but they are here to push out low income Black and Hispanic people out of their own community."

Along with his critique of the joint statement and his endorsement of Mr. Jackson, Mr. Lopez-Pierre's latest email contained more harsh words for Mr. Levine and Mr. Benjamin. The joint statement and petition were among many negative reactions to Mr. Lopez-Pierre's first messages about Mr. Levine and Mr. Benjamin, but Mr. Lopez-Pierre claimed the situation had help him raise money for his council campaign [sic throughout].

"My public comments about Brain Benjamin has been very good for fundraising–you be surprised by how many people know Brain Benjamin and do NOT like him (for the rest this campaign, I plan to use Brain Benjamin as my very own campaign ATM machine - and Mark Levine, I am saving the best for Mark Levine)," wrote Mr. Lopez-Pierre. "To be fair to Brain Benjamin more people dislike Thomas Lopez-Pierre than they dislike Brain Benjamin – but give me time, I am sure that I can close the gap to within 40 points by Primary Day. If I may add, Brain Benjamin dates some of the best looking women in NYC – and he does NOT discriminate base on race: Black, White, Asian and Hispanic, he has sex with them all! For a short little man, he does have great taste in women–please make it a point to check out anyone of the many hot women he has on his arm and that share his bed–they all have two things in common – they are hot looking and they tower over him like the Harlem State Office Building on 125^th Street and 7^th Avenue."

According to the latest data from the New York City Campaign Finance Board, Mr. Lopez-Pierre has raised $8,239 for his council bid in the past six months.