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very special elections

By David Freedlander 8/31/11 8:46am

very special elections

DESK EMAIL

Citing Gustavo Rivera, Bill Samuels Endorses Jesus Gonzalez

Bill Samuels, the high-tech entrepreneur who started the reform-minded New Roosevelt Initiative last year to aid insurgent candidates who could shake up Albany, announced this morning that he is endorsing Jesus Gonzalez in the highly-contested Assembly special election in the Bushwick area of Brooklyn.

“A vote for Gonzalez is a vote in favor of change and reform in Brooklyn and beyond,” Samuels said. “If we can mobilize voters on behalf of candidates such as Gonzalez, it will mark an encouraging sign for young reformers throughout this city, who want to take on the entrenched and corrupt political system and change it for the better.” Read More

By David Freedlander 7/27/11 10:58am

very special elections

espinal

Rafael Espinal Nets 32BJ

A union source told The Politicker that 32BJ, the powerful property services union, is prepared to endorse Rafael Espinal for the 54th Assembly District.

The endorsement would give Espinal significant Get-Out-The-Vote forces on election day, slated for September 13.

The endorsement is not yet official, and Espinal declined comment. Read More

By David Freedlander 7/26/11 5:22pm

very special elections

goldfeder and chuck

Pride of Chucky: Ex-Aide Raises $120K for Assembly Run

Phil Goldfeder, a former aide to Senator Chuck Schumer who left his post a few months ago to mount an Assembly run, has raised a whopping $120,000 in just a few short weeks.

“What can I say? I have been working hard,” Goldfeder said when reached by phone this afternoon out in Queens. He was preparing to go door-knocking at an apartment complex. “I raised the money because I have been fortunate enough over the last ten years to build a network of friends and supporters who came through in a big, big way.” Read More

By Kara Bloomgarden-Smoke 7/15/11 12:23am

very special elections

Courtesy Jesus Gonzalez for Assembly

Personable Jesus: Reformers Hope for a Savior in Brooklyn Special

On a recent Wednesday afternoon, Jesus Gonzalez finished a Newport outside his Bushwick office, then ducked to the back with a comb and some gel. He emerged with his close-cropped hair slicked down, and picked up a stack of campaign literature before setting out to knock on some doors.

“It is one of the oldest community organizing tactics,” said Mr. Gonzalez, in an untucked beige polo shirt, an oversized blazer, baggy jeans and shiny patent leather kicks. “Even Jesus’ disciples did it to spread the word.”

Mr. Gonzalez, who goes by the English pronunciation of his first name, Jesus – though some supporters have quietly tried to push the Spanish pronunciation for the campaign – will need some new converts to win the upcoming special election in New York’s 54th Assembly District. Read More

By Azi Paybarah 7/06/11 12:19pm

very special elections

Queens Backs Simanowitz and Goldfeder for Assembly Races

The Queens Democratic County Organization this morning backed two candidates in state legislative races, but did not back anyone yet for the congressional seat vacated by Rep. Anthony Weiner.

They’re backing Mike Simanowitz for the Assembly seat vacated by Nettie Mayersohn.

Phil Goldfeder, a former Schumer aide, got the backing to run for the seat vacated by Audrey Pheffer, who is now the county clerk.

The elections are on September 13.

By Reid Pillifant 7/01/11 12:14pm

very special elections

Cuomo Calls Special Elections for Sept. 13 [Update]

As expected, Governor Andrew Cuomo has called for all of the impending special elections for New York’s regularly-scheduled primary day, September 13.

In addition to the special election for Anthony Weiner’s vacated congressional seat in New York’s Ninth District, there are special elections for six Assembly seats, most of which were caused by appointments to Cuomo’s administration.

Those districts are: the 23rd; the 27th; the 54th; the 73rd; the 116th and the 144th.

Update: Capital Tonight notes Cuomo waited to announce these elections just long enough to give control of the nominating procedure to county leaders, rather than primary voters.

By David Freedlander 6/16/11 4:58pm

very special elections

cd30_ecrowley

A Crowley for Weiner’s Seat?

A new name is making the rounds in political circles as a replacement for the now ex-congressman Anthony Weiner: City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley.

The 33-year-old lawmaker would be an intriguing choice since she is the cousin of the man who will have more say than anyone over who takes the seat: Congressman and Queens County Democratic Party leader Joe Crowley. Read More