Tonight was a fundraiser for my friend, Devin Cohen, candidate for Brooklyn's 1st Civil Court seat, co-sponsored by Lambda Independent Democrats, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, and Independent Neighborhood Democrats, the three main community-based Democratic clubs in the district. The fundraiser was at the home of Harley Diamond and Jonathan Lovett. Assemblywoman Joan Millman, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery and district leaders Bill Saunders, Alan Fleishman and Jo Anne Simon all attended as did future City Council candidate Gary Riley. Forgive me if I left anyone out.

Also was my first chance to meet Isaac Gabriel Cohen, Devin's very mellow seeming 2-week old baby. Very cute! Already seems to have that magical "judicial temperment" that people are always talking about.

Nothing really new came up and I have covered this race in some detail before (here, here, and here for those who want more detail). The main new piece of info was that I hear Devin has filed more than 5000 qualifying signatures, well over the 1500 required. Most of these signatures represent more than just a name, because most were on petitions carried by members of clubs like IND and CBID door to door for county committee positions so represent face-to-face contact with voters. From what I saw most of Adler's petitioning was done at the entrance to train stations and hence represents less face time with voters and may include a higher number of signatures from people outside of the district. As a side note, I also got the scoop on IND's petitioning efforts: they got about 5100 signatures throughout the 52nd AD for various candidates. I did my small part, helping out in four separate election districts. Never did get Chuck Schumer's signature, though I did help qualify his district.

Devin mainly emphasized his own positive qualities, making no open reference to his opponent, Adler. But I can insert the comparisons. Devin emphasized his own extensive experience as a civil law litigator, mostly representing individuals. I can compare this with Adler's experience, which has been very respectable, but includes more criminal and appellate work than civil cases, and which includes work he has done for the Conservative Party that might not be appreciated by the community. Devin emphasized his own long-time community activism, which I know includes being a volunteer EMT, fighting to keep FDNY Engine 204 open, and serving on Community Board 6. I am unaware of any community activism on Adler's part, though perhaps someone can provide such info. Devin also emphasized his own long-time activism in progressive politics in Brooklyn, which my wife tells me she can vouch for, having known Devin since childhood. Devin has certainly been involved in several local Democratic clubs and has been helping the community on key development issues. I can say that the number one political tie Adler has, based on work he has done as well as money donated, has been the Conservative Party. Adler has also only donated to Republican Senate and Presidential candidates, but not to any Democratic Senate or Presidential candidates.

The points being that Devin better reflects the community in Brooklyn while Adler mainly represents the Conservative Party...and himself. And Devin has more civil law experience than Adler. I think these are the two main differences between these candidates, though all stories I hear of Adler and the one time I met him indicate he is not the nicest or most understanding of individuals, and some lawyers who have talked to me about Adler tell me he has something of an anger management issue.

Adler will probably do well in fundraising. That really is the only thing that will make this a competitive race. In terms of endorsements, personality, face time with voters, and civil court experience, Devin is the obvious candidate for the community to support. But Adler will raise money and send out mailers. In an election that will probably have low voter turnout, that can make a difference. But it also means that each and every vote will matter, yours included if you are in the district. Look out for Devin, because he will be visiting your neighborhood hoping to meet you. And I am confident you will find him exactly the kind of person you would trust as a civil court judge.

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