Tuesday, September 13, 2011 is the primary election in Brooklyn. Brooklyn's newest and probably most dynamic political club has just announced its endorsements for this primary.

New Kings Democrats describes itself as:

...a progressive, grassroots political organization committed to bringing trans­parency, accountability, and inclusionary democracy to the Kings County Democratic Party. Founded by veterans of the Obama campaign, NKD serves as a training ground for individuals seeking to become more engaged in local politics, and hopes to nurture a new generation of elected Brooklyn Democratic leaders.

At their 2011 endorsement meeting tonight New Kings Democrats have endorsed:

Cheryl Gonzalez and Peter Sweeney for Brooklyn Civil Court Judge (2 seats open)

This is the third endorsement I have paid attention to, and the only one that has focused on the 54th Assembly district. I am not up on this district. One fellow blogger's view from when Darryl Towns first left his post can be found here. I should also note that Juan Gonzalez also has Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez's support, which carries some weight with me.

Two other reform groups have weighed in on the Brooklyn Civil Court races so far, the 52nd District County Committee (led by reform District Leaders Chris Owens and Jo Anne Simon), and the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats. I wrote about these endorsements before, but to reiterate a couple of points:

First off, for anyone who wants to know details about the Brooklyn Civil Court (who are up in the primary election) and Supreme Court (nomination determined by the county Judicial Nominating Committee, not by primary, then elected in general), you can find their answers to detailed questionnaires sent by the reform 52nd District County Committee at District Leader Chris Owens' website. These questionnaires are extremely informative, including details about experience, judicial philosophy, and, where appropriate, cases overturned or upheld in appeals. I urge all Brooklyn voters to check these questionnaires out before voting.

Second, let me reiterate the endorsements of the 52nd Assembly District Democratic County Committee and the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats for Brooklyn Civil Court because a consensus is emerging.

52nd Assembly District County Committee Recommendations (dependent on candidate being approved by appropriate screening committees): Cheryl Gonzalez, Peter Sweeney (incumbent)

Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats: (old school liberal reform club) Cheryl Gonzalez, Peter Sweeney (incumbent)

New Kings Democrats: (new, up and coming progressive reform club) Cheryl Gonzalez, Peter Sweeney (incumbent)

I want to say a couple of things about these candidates. Peter Sweeney will probably also be supported by the local, corrupt Vito Lopez machine. His original run was supported by a rather unsavory character, John O'Hara, but he proved a sufficiently excellent judge that I have heard two O'Hara opponents support Sweeney's re-election. My personal impression of Sweeney meeting him twice was pretty good. He seemed a bit too much of an insider, but still came off well and now has been endorsed by three reform organizations, thus relieving some of my concerns about him. I should note that his goal is to get to the Supreme Court seat, but if he fails at that his goal of continuing in the Civil Court spot (actually currently acting Supreme Court judge) is worthy of support.

Cheryl Gonzalez is likely opposed by the corrupt Vito Lopez machine, which is a huge plus in her favor in my book. I was impressed with her when she came to present and field detailed questions at the 52nd Assembly District County Committee meeting. She also has an excellent record in housing court according to tenant lawyers I have talked to. Her main opponent, Lorna McAllister, seemed decent but very inexperienced by comparison and probably Vito Lopez machine-linked.

[UPDATE: I have been informed that Lorna McAllister dropped out. This is not surprising since it seemed to me and others that she was running more to get her name out there in preparation for later runs. This is not unusual. As of now neither Cheryl Gonzales nor Peter Sweeney have clear opponents, though in both cases there are rumored opponents.]

Above all else I want to again really urge voters not to ignore these races. Brooklyn needs more scrutiny of their judges and the process by which they become judges. I hope these endorsements and the questionnaires on Chris Owens' website will help people judge the judges and elect better ones. I also think forums like the one Jo Anne Simon and Chris Owens put on in the 52nd are excellent and should become a model for other districts.