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By Ross Barkan 5/16 11:57am

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Queens Democratic Party Expected to Endorse Leroy Comrie

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. Read More

By Colin Campbell 11/26/12 5:46pm

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Tony Avella Will Run for Queens Borough President

State Senator Tony Avella, an outspoken Queens pol who has been mulling a run for borough president for some time, is ready to pull the trigger and announce his campaign. And he’s not holding back criticism against the term-limited incumbent, Helen Marshall, and her handling of post-Hurricane Sandy efforts.

“I thought we should have had a much more active borough president and much more of a coordinating effort from the office of the borough president,” Mr. Avella told the Times Ledger. “That convinced me Queens needs a voice.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 10/10/12 2:43pm

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Joe Crowley Plays the Field for Queens Borough President

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. Read More

By Colin Campbell 7/31/12 8:00am

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Dan Halloran announcing for Congress in Bowne Park.

Ragin’ Pagan: Dan Halloran Aims to Take Passionate, Unorthodox Approach to Washington D.C.

On a sunny March day in a park in northeastern Queens, Councilman Dan Halloran gathered with his supporters, including his two Great Danes, to announce his campaign for Congress.

“Bowne Park is, as many of you know, part of the estate that once belonged to John Bowne, who, during a time of turmoil in this country—before it was our nation—stood up for the rights of an oppressed minority and protected them,” Mr. Halloran began, referencing a 17th-century push to end persecution of Quakers in the former Dutch colony of New Netherland. “He and a small band stood together and created the Flushing Remonstrance. It is the cornerstone on which our First Amendment was eventually written.”

“This community has a rich, rich history and I’m very glad to be here today to make my announcement,” the Republican added.

The next day he found out he had a brain tumor. Read More

By Colin Campbell 6/15/12 4:53pm

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(Photo: Google)

Hakeem Touts Howard Beach Support

Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries and Councilman Charles Barron might be campaigning for a seat that is over 93% in Kings County and majority African-American, but that doesn’t mean that they’re going to be ignoring that tiny little little slice of the district in Queens with a history of racial tension.

Mr. Jeffries in particular is making a strong play or the neighborhood as he battles in a competitive primary against the controversial Mr. Barron. And, at the Cross Bay Diner in Howard Beach this afternoon, multiple elected officials representing that neighborhood announced their firm support for Mr. Jeffries. Read More

By Colin Campbell 2:08pm

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State Senator Peralta (Photo: Facebook)

Jose Peralta Openly Fundraising for Queens Borough President Campaign

Last month, State Senator José Peralta formed a campaign committee for a possible run for Queens Borough President, and, at least according to fundraising requests being circulated on his behalf, he seems to be moving forward with his campaign.

In an email from political consultant Greg Petzold, which a reader said was being sent to organizations and non-profits in Queens, Mr. Petzold directly indicates Mr. Peralta is campaigning for the borough presidency. Read More

By Colin Campbell 3/26/12 7:42pm

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Dan Halloran Announces for Congress and Gives Israel A Big Hug [Video]

GOP Councilman Dan Halloran announced for Congress earlier this evening and made it very, very clear how important Israel’s security is to him (in addition to discussing other staple issues like jobs and gas prices).

“It is time that the people wake up to the fact that this president has been willing to compromise the national security of our friends like Israel, and our own,” Mr. Halloran proclaimed today. “We need to be consistent in our foreign policy, to stand with our friends and allies, and to make no mistake about it: Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and deserves our full and unwavering support.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 3/08/12 10:18am

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George Maragos (Photo: Facebook)

Queens GOP Backs George Maragos, Securing Ballot Line

This morning, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos announced another notable endorsement in his quest for the Republican nomination to challenge Senator Kristen Gillibrand. The Queens County Republican Party threw its support to Mr. Maragos, which should place him over the 25% threshold he needs at the state convention to automatically be on the primary ballot this June.

“New York is a melting pot of immigrants from all over the world who have built our great city and in doing so have achieved the American Dream,” Queens County Republican Chairman Phil Ragusa said in a statement about the Greek-born Mr. Maragos. “George Maragos is an example of the American Dream and will be an outstanding voice in Washington for the best interest of all New Yorkers. The Queens County GOP proudly endorses Mr. Maragos.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 3/05/12 11:38am

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Senator Peralta (Photo: Facebook)

Peralta Forms Committee for Possible Queens Borough President Run

This morning, a new campaign committee, “Peralta 2013,” appeared on the Board of Elections website, suggesting State Senator José Peralta is taking yet another step towards his increasingly likely campaign for Queens Borough President next year.

The committee will allow Mr. Peralta to raise money and more forcefully campaign for the race, especially when one potential candidate, Councilman Peter Vallone, already has $1 million in his own campaign war chest. Read More