Americans for Democratic action, an abashedly liberal branch of the Democratic Party, has announced its endorsements for the September 15th Primary election. Founded in 1947, ADA is an independent liberal political organization dedicated to protecting individual liberty and expanding economic justice. Here are their recommendations (with my inevitable comments):

Mayor: Bill Thompson

Public Advocate: Norman Siegel (Siegel has also been endorsed by Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, Democracy for NYC, Park River Independent Democrats (Upper West Side), the Village Reform Democratic Club, the Grand Council of Guardians (an organization of African-American law enforcement officials), Room 8 blogger and Brooklyn City Council candidate Rock Hackshaw, the New York Metro Area Postal Union (APWU, AFL-CIO), Audubon Reform Democratic Club (Hamilton Heights and Washington Heights), and Brooklyn Democrats for Change (Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Fort Hamilton, Bath Beach and Gravesend), The New York Community Council...and, of course, myself).

Comptroller: John Liu (Liu has also been endorsed by 504 Democratic Club (focused on disabled rights), El Nuevo Caribe Democratic Club of El Barrio/East Harlem, Lambda Independent Democrats, Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens, Stonewall Democrats of New York City, Staten Island Democratic Association, United Auto Workers, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, Barack Obama Democratic Club of Upper Manhattan, American Heritage Democratic Club...and about a gazillion others, including myself).

Manhattan District Attorney: Richard Aborn (I haven't endorsed in this race. Aborn has also been endorsed by Congressman Jerrold Nadler, State Senator Eric Adams, State Senator Daniel Squadron, 504 Democratic Club, OutPOCPAC, Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats, Barack Obama Democratic Club of Upper Manhattan, Village Independent Democrats, and others).

39th City Council District (Brooklyn): Josh Skaller (Josh has also been endorsed by Howard Dean, Jim Dean, Assemblyman Jim Brennan, State Senator Eric Adams, Democracy for America, Democracy for NYC, The New York Community Council, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 237, 111 and 854, Service Employees International Union (Special Officers and Guards, Local 177), Friends and Residents of Greater Gowanus, Carroll Gardens Coalition for Respectful Development and others...as well as myself.)

33rd City Council District (Brooklyn): Ken Diamondstone (I have endorsed Jo Anne Simon for this race, but Ken Diamondstone is another excellent candidate.)

19th City Council District (Queens): Steve Behar (Steve Behar has also been endorsed by Councilman Tony Avella, Democracy for America, Democracy for New York City, Queens County Progressive Democratic Club, The New York Community Council, Democrats for New Politics, Lesbian & Gay Democratic Club of Queens...and myself).

25th City Council District (Queens): Daniel Dromm (Daniel Dromm has also been endorsed by Stonewall Democrats, the United Federation of Teachers, 504 Democrats, among others. I endorsed him quite some time ago and think he is a very promising candidate, but I am concerned about his involvement in the Working Families Party scandal and have been unable to get a statement from his campaign).

This comes from the Steve Behar campaign, though I thought much the same when I saw Bloomberg had endorsed Vallone:

Bloomberg Endorsement of Lobbyist Paul Vallone ‘Not Surprising’

In what appears to be another backroom political deal, registered lobbyist Paul Vallone’s father has cornered another one of his political cronies into endorsing his son for the district 19 council race, according to rival democratic candidate Steve Behar.

As with Vallone’s other endorsements, the only reason cited in Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s endorsement of the democratic candidate last week is Vallone’s last name. The Vallone family endorsed Bloomberg for mayor in 2005, and this latest act is further evidence of the influence of private wealth and nepotism in New York politics.

Behar, who has been endorsed by incumbent councilmember Tony Avella (D-District 19), is also concerned that Paul Vallone’s candidacy adds the influence of special interests into an already damaged political arena.  read more »

Well, this is rich. Via an emailed press release from Democrat Steve Behar, running to succeed Tony Avella in the 19th City Council district:

The Conservative Party of New York State is trying to hijack the
Democratic Party in Northeast Queens. Recently three of my opponents in the race
to succeed Councilman Tony Avella interviewed with the Conservative Party
seeking that party's endorsement. The Conservative Party's ideology and values are
contrary to the values of the Democratic Party. Yet two so-called Democrats in the
District 19 race, Jerry Iannecce and registered lobbyist Paul Vallone, recently
attended a Conservative Party Dinner and are said to be still pushing for that party's endorsement. As a true Democrat who believes in the progressive ideals and values of the Democratic Party, I believe there is no place in our party for the failed ideology and values of George W. Bush and Rush Limbaugh in MY Democratic Party.

Yes, the New York ballot is littered with parties nobody takes seriously, and the conservatives are no exception. It's baffling that they get any more respect than the potheads at the Marijuana party (yes, there is such a thing).

But no, Democrats shouldn't be seeking their support. Vallone must be desperate to do this kind of outreach.  read more »