It must be primary season again, and further, it appears clear that the Brooklyn machine has made its wishes known on whom it would like to see prevail in certain contests.

That at least is the conclusion I draw from Gatemouth's newest magnum opus, posted here. The ostensible subject thereof is Steve Harrison, whom I happen to know, like and support, but to whom Gatemouth seems less than favorably inclined.

Now, politics is seldom elegant. But in this case, politics is blunt, more an Elvis impersonator in Vegas than Gustav Mahler. But that's fine; this being Brooklyn, our sensibilities are somewhat less than refined. This is doubly the case when the machine rears its head and speaks, as seems to be the case here.

In the Congressional primary in the 13th District, currently held by one Vito Fossella, whom you may recall as an independent fighter, there are currently two Democrats running. One of them is Steve Harrison, the other is one Dominic Recchia, a member of the City Council who most recently distinguished himself by handing an endorsement to Noach Dear, who just so happens to be a virulent, homophobic bigot.

And here the problems begin and do not end.

Gatemouth's case against Harrison has two prime components: one, the man gave money to candidates for office who have since become republicans or were so at the time. Two, Harrison has found the support of the Progressive community. These are, in Gatemouth's eyes, deep failings, and they're worth addressing on the merits, because this goes to a deeper observation about the state of contemporary Democratic politics in this City. Interestingly enough, there is something of a contradiction between the two arguments.

Regarding Harrison's contributions to Marty Golden and others, it's worth pointing out the issues at hand during the time, 2001 and 2002, these were made. Marty Golden happened to be right on issues of land use in much the same way as a clock is right twice a day. There is a long tradition in New York, dating back to the turn of the century if not earlier, that policies commonly understood as advancing good government don't necessarily adhere to partisan divides. For example, the rules proposed by the republican minority in the State Assembly are more in line with Progressive goals than those of the Democratic majority, and would it were otherwise. If Harrison supported Golden because zoning was of overriding importance to his community, there is little that is dishonorable about that. Certainly not when, quite frankly, Brooklyn's bosses themselves seem more than content to abide republicans they can do business with, including Marty Golden.

It is, however, Steve's backing by Progressives that is his true failing, the crime rather than the eccentricity. Chris Owens can sing a song about that, as can Ken Diamondstone. And this is where it becomes, likely to his delighted surprise, more about Gatemouth than about the ostensible subjects of his lengthy disdain. The simple fact is that the Progressive movement makes Gatemouth cringe. Lily-livered communists, we all are. Or, to use the national parlance, dirty fucking hippies.

Now, this diagnosis is inaccurate in the nation as a whole, and it is doubly untrue in New York. Those who think the Progressive movement is first and foremost ideological, a revival of sorts of the New Left, are mistaken. I say this not because being left-wing is anything to be ashamed of, quite the contrary; but it is true. Howard Dean is a centrist, you realize. He is, however, also a partisan, and that's what we're all about. Progressives will reliably embrace someone who carries the fight to the political enemy - as Harrison did in 2006, when nobody else wanted to.

Here in New York, the Progressive movement is also primarily concerned with reform, which is where Progressive and machine Democrats truly part ways. There's no need to mince words: Sheldon Silver may be a loyal Democrat, but he's as much a problem as is Joe Bruno. The outer-borough machines are deeply loyal, but they are a hindrance to democracy and good government - pace Clarence Norman. Nothing that further empowers Vito Lopez is of interest to Progressives.

That's why a machine politician like Recchia will probably not find Progressive support, and Harrison will. The fact that Recchia supported the war exacerbates this. The fact that he supported Mike Bloomberg adds further weight. Clinching the deal is Recchia's endorsement of Noach Dear, which merely serves to underline his role in the machine. I'll be polite about it: any Democrat that endorsed that vile bigot will be opposed by people of conscience. It is the one unpardonable sin. His endorsers have two options, both dishonorable: either they endorsed the man knowing and approving of his bigotry, or they lend out their good name without reflection. Either option is damning to the core.

There is more to be said about Gatemouth's piece - someone, anyone, please get that man an editor - particularly about the unsubtle allegations that Harrison is mentally ill, a homophobe, and a rightwinger. On that, I'll confine myself to noting that my friend Gatemouth might consider keeping his powder dry for a bit longer, as long as there are still some people who take him at least somewhat seriously.