The building workers union Local 32BJ is out with its endorsements for the upcoming Democratic state primaries in September – a list that, as expected, includes one of the insurgent candidates seeking to oust an erstwhile IDC member.
As has already been announced, the union is bakcing Alessandra Biaggi, a former counsel for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is challenging state Sen. Jeff Klein, the former IDC leader.
Much was made of this endorsement, which led to a war of words between 32BJ head Hector Figueroa and Sen. Diane Savino, another erstwhile IDC member, who slammed the union leader for questioning in a New York Times interview whether the IDC is really indeed dead following a deal negotiated by Cuomo earlier this year, likening the conference to a “zombie,” adding: “Only a blow in the head, (meaning Klein), can kill a zombie.”
As Nick Reisman noted last week, 32BJ played a key role in brokering the agreement to bring the IDC back into the fold with the so-called “regular” Senate Democrats. It seems that deal has been endangered – if not outright upended – by the surprise victory last week of Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez ofer Queens Rep. Joe Crowley, with a number of elected officials, including NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson, rushing to demonstrate their solidarity with the left by backing the IDC primary challengers.
But when it comes to members of the former breakaway conference other than Klein, it appears the union is actually opting to stay on the sidelines.
According to the list released today, 32BJ isn’t picking favorites in the 13th Senate District, where Queens community organizer Jessica Ramos is running against Sen. Jose Peralta. It also declined to back former NYC Councilman Robert Jackson, who is trying to unseat Sen. Marisol Alcantara in the 31st Senate District.
The union is also taking a pass on endorsing anyone in the 20th Senate District, where affordable housing advocate Zellnor Myrie is running against Sen. Jesse Hamilton.
In addition, no endorsements were made in the 11th Senate District, represented by Tony Avella, or the 23rd Senate District, which is represented by Savino. The same goes for the 38th, which is home to Sen. David Carlucci; and the 53rd, held by Sen. David Valesky.
Here’s Figueroa’s official statement on the endorsements:
“Right now, more than ever, New York State needs champions of that will fight for workers’ rights. Union members are focused on electing progressive candidates to represent working New Yorkers in Albany.”
“In the face of unprecedented attacks on working families, we are endorsing candidates who will fight for good jobs and help more New Yorkers join and form unions. Together we will champion legislation to protect immigrant communities, defend voting rights and access, achieve bail reform, and stand up for policies to protect the environment.”
“Thousands of 32BJ SEIU members will get involved in political action this year to remind voters, candidates and elected officials that New York needs unions to build the middle class.”