I'd like to continue my focus on challenging incumbents in the state senate with the hope of improving the awful situation in Albany.

Probably the four worst Democrats in the NY State Senate were Hiram Monserrate (now thankfully ousted and soundly defeated), Pedro Espada, jr., Ruben Diaz, Sr., and Carl Kruger. These are the four traitors who threw control of the State Senate to the Republicans in a cynical power play that derailed reform in Albany. Furthermore Cal Kruger has actively campaigned for Republican Marty Golden (one of my other targets) in exchange for political favors.

Last night was the second of three endorsement meetings being held by the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats. I was working late, so I am relying on my wife's observations and the questionnaires the candidate had to fill out to be considered for a CBID endorsement (these are excellent resources and can be found at the CBID website for anyone who wants more info on the candidates) as well as my own previous experience with the some of the candidates. I urge everyone to check out these questionnaires.

Three candidates turned in questionnaires for the 12th Congressional Seat: incumbent Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez, as well as two unknowns, Bruce Hirschfeld and George Martinez. Both Bruce and George seem to be running based on the fact that they AREN'T the incumbent while Nydia is running on her extremely impressive record as both a Congresswoman and as one of corrupt Party Boss Vito Lopez's biggest opponents. As far as I can tell neither Bruce nor George has anything that would indicate they have even a remote chance of beating one of Brooklyn's most popular and active Congressional Representatives. I know Nydia and have always found her to be one of the most progressive and enthusiastic representatives and her willingness to stand up to the Brooklyn political machine makes her an especially valuable politician. Nydia Velasquez's voting record is impeccable. Needless to say, CBID endorsed Nydia. Not having met or heard George or Bruce personally I can't say much about them, but their campaign lit and their answers to the CBID questionnaire are not very impressive. Given the fact that I have always been quite happy with Nydia Velasquez in Congress, I heartily endorse her.

Next to the 39th City Council district, the 33rd district is also among the most closely contested races in the city. I personally know all the candidates in the 39th. In the 33rd I know some very well, have met another, and with one, Isaac Abraham, have only heard him speak, not actually met him. I want to discuss this race based on my own experiences with the candidates. This race is a critical one in the fight against corruption in Brooklyn, as outlined in the Village Voice. Brooklyn Party Boss Vito Lopez is trying hard to take this seat and reformers are divided. Here's what the Village Voice has to say about this race:

My first detailed post will be about Brad Lander. Mr. Lander is running to replace Bill de Blasio as City Councilman in the 39th District. Brad has been "called the frontrunner" by some, however, many good opponents are making it a tough race. The Mr. Lander ran the 5th Avenue Committee (for 10 years), and served most recently as the head of the Pratt Center for Community Development. He is also an active member of Community Board 6, as well as a proud public school parent. Since all politics are local, I'll go through the issues, noting his positions and experience with them. Development: