Queens Democratic Party Chair Joe Crowley announces his endorsements.

When the Queens Democratic Party rolled out its endorsements this morning in Forest Hills, one notable demographic, African Americans, was left without a major candidate. Indeed, Queens' black political establishment looked on with disappointment as their favored candidates for mayor, borough president and public advocate were passed over for rivals.

Congressman Joe Crowley, the party chair, endorsed Council Speaker Christine Quinn for mayor and former Councilwoman Melinda Katz for borough president. While a vast majority of district leaders voiced their approval, Elmer Blackburne and several other black district leaders dissented, indicating that instead they would support Bill Thompson, the former comptroller, who is also black. Ms. Quinn and Ms. Katz are white.

"Our community tells us that they're gonna vote for him [Thompson] again," Mr. Blackburne, a district leader from a predominately black southeast Queens, told reporters after the endorsement meeting. "We feel strongly and we'll be working very strongly with Mr. Thompson. [Ms. Quinn] can't win in our district. She can't win the Bronx, from the numbers I'm getting. She can't win in her own district, I'm told--her own part of Manhattan--and she can't win in Brooklyn."

Mr. Blackburne said he understood the county organization had an appreciation for diversity but also made decisions that were not always popular with the local black political establishment. Archie Spigner, a former southeast Queens councilman and close ally of sitting Councilman Leroy Comrie, the black candidate Mr. Crowley was considering endorsing instead of Ms. Katz for borough president, expressed disappointment at the seemingly last-minute decision the county organization made to not support Mr. Comrie.

"I'm disappointed but I understand their logic," Mr. Spigner told Politicker. "We'll have to see whether Leroy continues in the race. If he continues in the race, I'll be with him. The reasons they gave me were that he was a very unsuccessful, unspectacular fund-raiser."

Sources indicated that Mr. Spigner and other Comrie allies were only informed of Mr. Crowley's decision to support Ms. Katz late Saturday and Sunday. Initially, Politicker reported that the county organization was expected to back Mr. Comrie, despite his poor fund-raising. However, according to several plugged-in Democratic sources, Mr. Comrie's candidacy was met coolly in the pivotal organized labor community, some of whom favored Ms. Katz. When other candidates, sources said, made it clear they were not going to step aside if Mr. Crowley backed Mr. Comrie, the county organization reevaluated their plans and chose Ms. Katz, a strong fund-raiser and former county-backed candidate for Congress.

Mr. Comrie currently has about $40,000 in his campaign account, compared with Ms. Katz's $337,000. Ms. Katz also secured the endorsement of a southeast Queens power broker, Rev. Floyd Flake.

In addition to Ms. Quinn and Ms. Katz, the county organization chose to back Reshma Saujani, a well-funded candidate who has never held elected office before, for public advocate. Mr. Crowley repeatedly stressed that Ms. Saujani is of South Asian descent and would be able to provide representation to Queens' burgeoning South Asian community. Ms. Saujani's victory would be historic as there are no South Asian elected officials in New York City.

However, Ms. Saujani's endorsement came at the expense of Brooklyn Councilwoman Tish James, a black elected official also favored by the southeast Queens establishment. Ms. James, like Mr. Comrie, has struggled to fund-raise.

"They didn't go with Tish, they didn't go with Leroy, they didn't go with Billy [Thompson]," lamented one Queens Democratic insider. "Billy would've made a lot of people happy. They did it purely because they have close ties to Quinn."

Indeed, Mr. Crowley's predecessor, Congressman Thomas Manton, worked diligently behind the scenes in 2005 to help elect Ms. Quinn speaker. In a short speech, Ms. Quinn paid tribute to Mr. Crowley and Mr. Manton, who died in 2006.

"I can't help but think of Tom Manton and I can't help but think of a conversation and a similar endorsement, a little different meeting, that I had with Tom Manton, where he said he was supporting me in the race for speaker of the City Council," Ms.  Quinn said. "And in doing so it was an enormous step forward in my efforts to become speaker."

Leroy Comrie. (Photo: Facebook)

The Queens County Democratic Party is expected to endorse Councilman Leroy Comrie for borough president next week, according to four sources plugged into various sides of the race.

The sources--some of whom were disappointed in the decision--told Politicker that Congressman Joe Crowley, the head of the borough's Democratic organization, will probably endorse Mr. Comrie to balance his leadership position in one of the most demographically diverse counties in the country.

"Crowley has a lot pressure, he's got to deal with African-American district leaders who want him," said one Queens Democrat familiar with the decision-making process. "It is what it is."

"It's about 80 percent they're going with Leroy," another Democratic source said. "The black district leaders are strongly behind Leroy. And Joe needs to protect his leadership."

Mr. Comrie, who represents a predominately black southeastern Queens district, was not endorsed by an influential power broker in the area, Rev. Floyd Flake, but sources said Mr. Crowley is still fond of Mr. Comrie, a veteran member of the City Council.

The decision of the relatively powerful county organization comes even as Ms. Comrie's fund-raising continues to lag behind his competitors. According to the latest finance reports released yesterday, he has about $40,000 left in his account, compared with Councilman Peter Vallone's $800,000, former Councilwoman Melinda Katz's $337,000, State Sen. José Peralta's $138,000 and former Assemblyman Barry Grodenchik' $72,000.

Mr. Comrie and Mr. Crowley did not immediately return requests for comment.

Congressman Crowley addresses the crowd.

Earlier this evening, outspoken Councilman Peter Vallone officially launched his campaign for campaign for Queens Borough President. And, standing before an incredibly packed Greek restaurant in Astoria, both Mr. Vallone and his supporters made sure everyone was fully aware of the self-described conservative Democrat's independent streak.

"He was able to stand up to the Speaker when she was trying to bully him," said Norman Seabrook, the President of the New York City Correction Officers' Benevolent Association who officially endorsed Mr. Vallone today. "Can you imagine what he would do as borough president when given the opportunity to step forward, not only for the people in this room, but this borough? He is truly a man indicative of being able to become one of the greatest of all time."

For his part, Mr. Vallone touted his "fighter" credentials, comparing himself favorably to Mr. Seabrook and recounting his various political battles, including his high-profile, yet ultimately unsuccessful effort to stop Council Speaker Christine Quinn from renaming the Queensboro Bridge after former Mayor Ed Koch.

"He is a fighter and I am a fighter. I know how Norman fights and I use him as an example when I fight," Mr. Vallone said. "Norman knows who was out there--who was the loudest voice--when Queens didn't have the streets plowed. When we had the blackout of '06. Norman knows who stood up to the Mayor, who stood up to Con Ed. Norman knows who stood up to the Speaker and the Mayor when they took the Queensboro Bridge from us. No one else had the guts to do that."

And even though he is known to ruffle feathers, a bit of the political establishment was also present at today's event. Congressman Joe Crowley, the head of the Queens Democratic Party who has attended the campaign kickoffs of several of Mr. Vallone's rivals, effusively extolled Mr. Vallone while stating his current neutrality in the race.

"The Vallone family tradition goes way way back," Mr. Crowley said, heaping compliments on Mr. Vallone's father, former Council Speaker Peter Vallone, Sr. "Peter Vallone has been an outstanding and great city councilman. We know that there's a future for Peter Vallone in New York City politics. Although I haven't yet made decisions, seeing the presence that's here this evening sends a loud message as well, and I appreciate it. The way I look at it, no matter what I do, I'll make one ingrate and a lot of people mad at me. But that's the nature of politics."

"I've been known to be a pretty good ingrate," Mr. Vallone chimed in. "By the way."

Congressman Joe Crowley singing along to "Call Me Maybe" at the Today Show. (Photo: NBC)

Comedy Central host Stephen Colbert was the surprise guest this morning at the House Democratic retreat and his appearance included quips about his sister's House bid in North Carolina and a "dramatic" duet of the Star Spangled Banner with Queens Congressman Joe Crowley. Sadly, Mr. Crowley's office told us they don't have video footage of the comedian and congressman performing, but Mr. Crowley did offer up a complimentary appraisal of his partner's performance.

"All I can say is Stephen Colbert can be my back-up singer anytime," he said.

His duet with Mr. Colbert isn't Mr. Crowley's first musical moment. The guitar-playing congressman once taped a singing robocall. He has also served as a bandleader at various fundraisers, and, perhaps most memorably, was filmed rocking out to a performance of Carly Rae Jepsen's tween pop hit "Call Me Maybe" at a Today Show taping last summer.

Congressman Crowley (Photo: YouTube)

In a few months, Queens County's elected officials are gathering for a musical talent show of sorts. In a flier sent out to the borough's legislators, the show, a fundraiser for Queens College, is "seeking elected officials who can sing, act, dance, do comedy and are willing to share their talents in a musical comedy revue which celebrates our wonderful borough."

According to a source, two of the borough's most musical officials, Democratic Congressman Joe Crowley and GOP Councilman Dan Halloran, both seemed likely to attend. Mr. Crowley, of course, is a well-known music lover, from "Call Me Maybe" to little ditties in his fundraising solicitations. For his part, Mr. Halloran is a fairly talented alternative rock singer, as he thoroughly demonstrated at one of his own fundraisers.

However, somewhat ominously, the invitation told pols to participate, "[e]ven if you think you don’t have any talent."

For fun, we've collected some of the greatest hits of Mr. Crowley and Mr. Halloran, who, as it happens, were on opposing sides of the only notable congressional race this year in Queens. Perhaps a musical face-off will help settle their rivalry?

(13 minutes in)

Joe Crowley playing baseball. (Photo: Getty)

Former Councilwoman Melinda Katz is kicking off her campaign to replace term-limited Borough President Helen Marshall at Portofino Ristorante in Forest Hills tonight. Joining her will be none other than the man who leads the Queens Democratic Party, Congressman Joe Crowley. However, his presence at her party doesn't necessarily imply Mr. Crowley is backing Ms. Katz in the crowded field.

Indeed, a reader passes along a kickoff event invitation for State Senator José Peralta's campaign for Ms. Marshall's job as well, which Mr. Crowley is also attending.

The duel appearances are interesting, as Mr. Crowley is often the type to endorse a candidate in contested Democratic primaries and work his hardest to get him or her elected. However, with a diverse slate of contenders that also includes Councilmen Leroy Comrie and Peter Vallone, as well as Deputy Borough President Barry Grodenchick, perhaps Mr. Crowley simply has too many friends in the race to pick and choose just yet.

Many political insiders have long considered Mr. Comrie the borough president candidate Mr. Crowley favored, but some are now speculating Mr. Comrie's sluggish fundraising could hinder his chances to earn the official nod. It remains to be seen whether Mr. Crowley will attend Mr. Comrie's kickoff event--or anyone else's, for that matter.

We've reached out to the Queens County Democratic Party and will update if they have any further comment.

View the invitation below:

Congressman Joe Crowley just met you and this is crazy, but ... (Photo: NBC)

This morning, Queens Congressman Joe Crowley was caught by the Today Show cameras enjoying a live performance of Canadian pop songstress Carly Rae Jepsen's megahit "Call Me Maybe." According to Courtney Gidner, a spokeswoman for Mr. Crowley, the congressman was in attendance at the concert, which was part of the Today show's summer concert series, with his three children, who are all under the age of 13. The group arrived "bright and early" so they would be able to get a good view.

"He brought his kids, his kids are big fans of Carly Rae Jepsen, and so he brought them to the concert this morning," Ms. Gidner told Politicker. "So, I think he might win father of the year for bringing his kids to that concert."

We pointed out to Ms. Gidner that, based on the footage, it appears Mr. Crowley is also a big fan of Ms. Jepsen in his own right. Ms. Gidner conceded that the congressman did indeed enjoy the singer's performance.

"He's a big, big music fan and he likes all types of music and, of course, 'Call Me Maybe' is a catchy song. He just enjoys being at concerts too. I think any time you're at a concert, it's fun to sing along," said Ms. Gidner.

Ms. Gidner also corrected us on a tweet we posted on a personal account noting that Mr. Crowley seemingly "leaps over teen girls to get closer to Carly Ray Jepsen" in the video footage.

"When I watched the video, it looked like he was trying to get her to pay attention to the kids in front of him," Ms. Gidner said. "That's what it looked like to me at least."

Grace Meng delivering her victory speech.

In the packed Plum Restaurant in the Bayside neighborhood of Queens, Assemblywoman Grace Meng entered the room to the Black Eye Peas' "Let's get it started in here" (Let's get into it! Yeah! Get stupid! Come on!) just after ten o'clock and was simply a rock star. Ms. Meng is beloved in Queens Democratic circles and those circles certainly turned out for her clamorous and joyous victory party. Declaring her congressional campaign's success before the Associated Press did, she spent most of her speech thanking all of her volunteers, family members, supporters, opponents, and probably a few others tossed in there as well.

"It has been about we, certainly not me," Ms. Meng said to begin her speech. "We. We, in this room. We in the neighborhoods won this important race. We won this victory together."

And win the race she did, surprising expectations and securing an outright majority of the vote, a tough act considering her multiple credible primary opponents with strong labor support and electoral bases. And while Ms. Meng received very strong support in her own base in Flushing's sizable Asian community, supporters and elected officials also constantly pointed to her impressively strong performance in other areas as well, a tribute to the forces that mobilized behind her candidacy.

"Thank you Congressman Joe Crowley," she said to begin her list of thanks, causing the people in the room to burst into long, loud howls of support.

"Joe Crowley, our Queens Democratic organization chairman," she continued, needing to pause for another loud burst. "You have been a tremendous rock in this campaign and I'm so grateful for your support. You're a tall guy with broad shoulders and I'm lucky to be able to lean on them."

Other individuals receiving particularly large amounts of cheering when their names were mentioned included outgoing Congressman Gary Ackerman, key labor supporters like the heads of the Hotel Trades Council and United Federation of Teachers, as well as Council Speaker Christine Quinn, the lone likely 2013 mayoral candidate spotted in the room.

After thanking supporter after supporter individually, Ms. Meng addressed her vanquished Democratic foes.

"I first want to say that I want to commend Rory Lancman and Liz Crowley and Bob Mittman for running mostly positive campaigns," she said. "Rory and I have worked together well together in Albany and I respect him deeply. I'm thankful of all the time that Liz and I have got to spend together in the last few months. She holds the toughest title in the world, a working mom. And I'm proud to call her a friend."

Framing the general election, she also discussed her Republican opponent, Councilman Dan Halloran.

"To my Republican opponent Dan Halloran I say this: Let's run a campaign based on the issues," she said, going on to frame the general election by labeling him as Tea Party extremist. "Let's not discuss race or religion and not engage in smear tactics or implications."

Considering how wild Mr. Halloran's last race was, it's possible political observers may be in for quite a ride yet.

George Pataki (Photo: Getty)

In a fundraising solicitation for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee yesterday evening, Rep. Joe Crowley opened the request by declaring, "Every New Yorker should know about this."

What does every New Yorker need to know about? Why it's a Wall Street Journal report of former Governor George Pataki opening up a Super PAC to impact New York's Congressional races.

"The new Republican Super PAC is named 'Tipping Point,' which is ironic considering these New York House races could be the tipping point that throws Republicans out of the Majority," wrote Mr. Crowley.

(Mr. Pataki may have been considering New York's importance in losing/keeping the Republican majority himself when he named it.)

One of the email's chief complaints is where the new Super PAC will be doing it's fundraising. Mr. Pataki told the Wall Street Journal he would be soliciting small and large contributions, and billionaire John Catsimatidis, who told the publication he hadn't spoken to Mr. Pataki about the endeavor, indicated he would support the PAC if asked.

Mr. Crowley, the finance chairman at the DCCC, understandably wants to turn Mr. John Catsimatidis' potential support for "Tipping Point" into a fundraising mechanism for his own organization and framed the issue as one of transparency against "secret billionaire donors."

"They may have secret billionaire donors but we have grassroots supporters from Buffalo to the Bronx ready to take the fight to the Republicans, demonstrated by the fact that 90% of our contributions from New Yorkers are $100 or less," he wrote, implying, of course, that the email's recipient should join the cause.

View the full text below:

Colin --

Every New Yorker should know about this.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that former Governor Pataki just launched a billionaire-backed Super PAC to defeat New York Democrats. That means New York’s airwaves will be filled with smears and dishonest attacks from Republicans desperate to save Speaker John Boehner and Republican Leader Eric Cantor’s House Majority.

We have to fight back with the facts.

Will you help us reach 2,012 New Yorkers standing with Democrats nationwide in 2012?

Donate $3 or more right now to stand with Democrats in New York and across the country against Republicans’ Super PAC attacks >>

The new Republican Super PAC is named “Tipping Point,” which is ironic considering these New York House races could be the tipping point that throws Republicans out of the Majority.

The math is clear: The fight for the House goes straight through New York. They may have secret billionaire donors but we have grassroots supporters from Buffalo to the Bronx ready to take the fight to the Republicans, demonstrated by the fact that 90% of our contributions from New Yorkers are $100 or less.

Let’s stand together to call out Republicans’ attacks on Medicare, seniors, and women and stop more tax cuts for billionaires like Donald Trump.

http://dccc.org/NY-2012

Thanks,

Joe

Joe Crowley (Photo: Facebook)

Congressman Joe Crowley is running for reelection in a highly Democratic district without any announced opposition, but he's not slouching off on his fundraising.

According to his recently filed campaign finance report, he raised $553,729 in the first three months of this year, leaving him with an impressive $1.1 million cash on hand. This is more than candidates running in actually competitive races typically raise.

Mr. Crowley's haul represents a sharp uptick in his fundraising pace. In his last filing he raised just north of $300,000, and in April of last year, he pulled in $165,000.

His district, reconfigured in redistricting and stretching from Queens to the Bronx (Mr. Crowley spent money trying to influence the redistricting process), contains a strong Latino plurality. However, his giant pot of cash and his stature as the head of the Queens County Democratic Party would be a significant deterrent for any aspiring politician in future years to considering running against him in a primary.

Additionally, Mr. Crowley, an official in the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, raises significant amount of money for his colleagues in more challenging races than his own.