Rangel Nails Big Endorsements, While Bronx Political Machine Backs Espaillat

By David Cruz In a move that casts a setback for Congressman Charles Rangel, the Bronx Democratic Caucus and Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. threw their support for Rangel’s challenger for the 13th Congressional District, state Senator Adriano Espaillat. The first-time endorsement, particularly by Assemblyman and Bronx Democratic Party Boss Carl Heastie, can once again secure victory for Dominican-born legislator in the Bronx, a battleground borough.

Rangel, Espaillat and Walrond Square Off in First Debate

By David Cruz The two main candidates for the 13th Congressional District achieved moments of glory in the first debate against incumbent Congressman Charles Rangel, who also managed to hit the pair with several one-two punches. And though the debate may have been miles away from the northwest Bronx, a key battleground borough for each rival, it was certainly mentioned, albeit in broad strokes.

Arroyo Staffers Arrested On Forgery Charges

by David Cruz Three staffers for Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo have been arrested on charges of forging signatures during last year’s petition gathering . The story, first appearing in the New York Daily News, comes nearly a year after it was discovered the trio of staffers–Betty Julien, Elbin Lopez and Luis Vargas–allegedly wrote mock signatures that included known public figures Derek Jeter and Kate Moss. Arroyo, distancing herself from her accused staffers, denied having known about the collusion at a Board of Elections hearing last year. The three stand to face upwards to seven years in prison if convicted.

By DAVID CRUZ At the Sea Shore Restaurant in City Island, a medium-size crowd turned up for Assemblyman Jose Rivera’s fundraiser on March 7. Rivera took to the dance floor, ushered in his daughter, former Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera, and even schmoozed with her opponent, current Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj. He was in his comfort zone, engaging with supporters bearing donations. For nearly 50 years, Rivera has stood virtually untouchable. He shattered racial barriers in a Bronx legislative caucus that was largely white, serving as a power groomer for rising Puerto Rican legislators like him, reflecting the changing demographics of the Bronx.

by David Cruz “The cops are coming, let’s go!” said Matt Edge, head of the grassroots group Money Out of Politics (MOP), shouting to his accomplice as they scurried out of Fordham Plaza. In guerilla fashion, the activists hoisted a burlap sign in mid-afternoon with painted words that read “Klein, No More Empty Promises on Fair Elections #99.13%.” Six other banners were scattered throughout Klein’s 34th Assembly District, hung visibly around several overpasses along the Henry Hudson Parkway.

Northwest Bronx Dems Support TWO candidates for 13th CD Race

The political club Northwest Bronx Democrats have now thrown their support for state Senator Adriano Espaillat and Yolanda Garcia, a community activist, in the race for the 13th Congressional District. The latest news puts the incumbent, Congressman Charles Rangel, further away from winning the Bronx, which comprises 20% of his overall district. But Anthony Rivieccio, president of the Northwest Bronx Democrats, emphasized the support is not an endorsement. “We decided as a group that we want to do whatever we can to make sure Charlie Rangel does not win,” said Rivieccio. “Do we believe Adriano Espaillat will be a very

By David Cruz Election 2014 is still in the early stages, and with an unusual year in politics shaping in the Bronx, the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democrats held off on an early endorsement for candidates in the 13th Congressional District held by longtime incumbent, Congressman Charles Rangel. Members voted unanimously to postpone their endorsement during their Feb. 24 gathering shortly after Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, whose district falls within the political club, spoke in favor of delaying the vote.

BP Diaz Jr. Touts Accomplishments, Further Visions in State of the Borough

by David Cruz Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. continued his promotional campaign of transforming the Bronx, touting some critical projects and offering his take on city policies during his State of the Borough Address. The tone was virtually optimistic, though issues of nagging unemployment and the influx of supportive housing remained untouched.

Hot Political Races Brew in the Bronx

By DAVID CRUZ Higher political aspirations are brewing these days, as several Bronx incumbents jockey to unseat their fellow incumbents within the Bronx political sphere, a rare development in the Bronx. This season could also pit the rest of the delegation against one another when the time for endorsements comes. While ambitious legislators have yet to fully flesh out their political ambitions, several warning shots can be heard in the distance, signaling open season for election 2014.