I haven’t done a “Vines” column in a long time since they always seem to get me in trouble. Anyway let’s give it another try.

My last column (“Sex, Lies, Video and Audiotape”) generated a whole lot of feedback. I am postponing part two for now.

Here are two endorsements from “The Rock”. I enthusiastically endorse Phil Goldfeder for the Assembly. I will give a lukewarm endorsement to Ruben Willis (City Council). Both races are in Queens. Phil Goldfeder will make a fine elected official. This is a prediction folks. He is going to win handily. He is a very intelligent guy. He might become mayor or governor one day.

Now Ruben on the other hand is a troublesome selection given his many personal woes; but he deserves a chance at finishing out the term. We can reassess him in 2013. One of his opponents (Rev. Kayode) is “good people”. I see Allan Jennings is still in the fray and mixing it up: a tenacious guy isn’t he? You’ve got to like Allan. He has a puncher’s chance here: but he is still a long shot.  read more »

"I don't understand why NYC Democrats aren't willing to fight a Tea Party candidate in their back yard."

That is what a friend said to me recently, referring to this year's Sept. 13th special and primary elections. Few are paying attention, and yet we are at risk of losing Anthony Weiner's former seat to a Teabagger extremist, we are at risk of losing an Assembly seat to an anti-gay, anti-choice right winger, and we are at risk of letting a civil court seat go to a corrupt crony of the Vito Lopez machine.

Three critical races that are being largely ignored.

We have to win as many of these as we can. They are particularly critical for LGBT rights.

PLEASE SUPPORT:

DAVID WEPRIN FOR CONGRESS
CHERYL GONZALES FOR KINGS COUNTY CIVIL COURT JUDGE
JESUS GONZALEZ FOR ASSEMBLY

details below  read more »

Next week Tuesday (Election Day) there will be a special election held for the 28th council-manic district in Queens. The need for which came about after Council-member Tom White died recently. Originally there were fourteen candidates registered with the NYC Campaign Finance Board (CFB); namely (in alphabetical order and with latest CFB financial-filing numbers): Victor Babb -$15,500; *Albert Baldeo -$54,994; *Charles Bilal -$5,298; *Martha Butler -$0; Leroy Gadsden -$0; *Allan Jennings -$15,417; Vishnu Mahadeo -$0; Joseph Marthune -$0; Elaine Nunes -$0; Lyn Nunes -$0; *Nicole Paultre-Bell -$12,033; Hattie Powell -$0; *Harpreet Toor -$18,895; and *Ruben Wills-$25,800. The seven with an asterisk (*) in front their names, have survived the petition and court-challenge phases and are now on the ballot. Only one (Willis) has received matching funds so far. Do note that former council-member Jennings has withdrawn from the matching funds program of CFB.  read more »

Now I turn from my own neighborhood to the wider city. Ding dong the witch is dead! Pedro Espada and "How can I miss you if you won't go away" Hiram Monserrate both lost BIG TIME.

Hiram "Slasher" Monserrate was ousted from the State Senate after slashing his girlfriend's face. Seems that's what you gotta do to be unacceptable in Albany. Well, at least they have SOME standards. Monserrate, Pedro Espada and Rubin Diaz were all at times part of the stupid coup in Albany that stopped real reform in Albany. Monserrate was ousted. Then he ran for his old seat...and lost. Now he ran for Assembly...and lost to Francisco Moya. I think we can now add to his nicknames. He isn't just "Slasher" he is also "Loser" Monserrate. I have to admit I forgot about this race when I did my endorsements. So I don't really know much about Moya. But thank god he isn't Monserrate.  read more »

This comes from Lambda Independent Democrats:

Next Tuesday, September 14, Democrats throughout New York State will go to the polls to select candidates for a wide range of offices. Here in Brooklyn, there are several competitive races that will shape our neighborhoods, our borough, and our state.

We encourage you to find time to volunteer for one of the following candidates endorsed by Lambda Independent Democrats. Now, more than ever, these campaigns need volunteers to knock on doors, make phone calls, and do visibility. Contact information for each campaign is below. Lambda members are hitting the streets, and we hope you will join us!

Eric Schneiderman for Attorney General
Jessie Streich-Kest
Brooklyn Volunteer Outreach Coordinator
C: 917-951-4266
O: 718-554-6960

Chris Owens for State Committee, 52nd Assembly District
Dan Campanelli
dan@owensforchange.com

Velmanette Montgomery, New York State Senate, 18th District
Oscar Jonas
917-232-4462

Kate Zidar and Lincoln Restler for State Committee, 50th Assembly District
Chris McCreight
chris@lincolnrestler.org  read more »