From one amigo to another: Diaz Sr. wants to hand over power to the IDC to regain Senate control

Diaz would like to see the Senate Democrats hand over
leadership positions to the IDC to help regain the majority.

State Sen. Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr. really brought it this time with his "What you should know" essay.

He says the Democrats in the state senate should give state Sen. Jeff Klein and the rest of his Independent Democratic Conference members leadership positions if they agree to come back to the Democratic Party.

They should start negotiating right away with Senator Jeff Klein and his three Independent Members – even to the point, if necessary, for the New York State Senate to transfer Senator Klein’s leadership position and the leadership positions of his Members to the Democratic Conference.

Everyone needs to put aside all personal differences – and pride – and do with Senator Klein and his Members as was done with Pedro Espada when the Democrats wanted him back.

Diaz, as most remember, was one of the 'four amigos' that held the Democratic Conference hostage in 2009 after jumping to the Republican side. They only returned after they were given leadership positions, with head honcho Pedro Espada Jr. becoming Majority Leader. 

Diaz won't have the full support of his fellow Dems, however. A Democratic senate insider tells us that they will not be toyed with like they were with the Amigos. 

"Senator Diaz does not speak for his colleagues," the source said. "We will not allow the Democratic Conference or the state Senate to be taken hostage by another four amigos who care more about power than they do about the future of New York State."

A message was left with the IDC's spokesman as of Wednesday evening. 

Jump below for Diaz's full statement (the bold is his):

Diaz Sr. urges Skelos to open a dialogue

Last week, state Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr. urged his fellow Hispanic colleagues in government to boycott Republican Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos' Hispanic gathering, Unidad Latina Legislative Conference. Diaz says that no Hispanic legislators attended the conference, though the GOP says a number of them did.

The letter, released today, is directed at Skelos and calls for him to open up a dialogue with Hispanic lawmakers to start better serving their needs, which were ignored during the state budget agreement, Diaz said.

According to Capitol Confidential, the GOP says Diaz has his facts wrong.

Senate GOP spokesman Scott Reif told the Times Union blog that Assembly members Guillermo Linares, Naomi Rivera and Nicole Malliotakis were on hand, as well as former Assemblyman Roberto Ramirez, the first Puerto Rican Democrat county leader in the state, “along with dozens of Hispanic business and community leaders.”

Reif’s full response to CapCon:

This is absolutely not true, and Senator Diaz should be ashamed of himself for putting politics ahead of what’s best for New York’s Hispanic community.  Sponsored by Senator Skelos and the well-respected Hispanic Federation, Unidad Latina was attended by hundreds of people, Senators and Assemblymembers from both political parties, and many Hispanic lawmakers.  And, despite Senator Diaz’ best efforts to bully people into not attending, this conference was an enormous success which gave serious legislators an opportunity to make contacts, to listen and to learn, and to advocate for issues important to the Hispanic community.  The Senate Democrats should spend less time trying to tear people down and more time trying to bring people together, as Senate Republicans have been doing.

Here's a sample of the letter from Diaz. Jump below for the full piece.

"I hope (and in speaking for myself) you will understand that until you build a dialogue with the six Hispanic Senators who serve as your colleagues in the New York State Senate, some of us will have a reason not to participate in your publicity events."

Rivera Camp Not Surprised By County Endorsement

So, just what do the people surrounding City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera's campaign think about the news that the Bronx Democratic organization has backed Assemblyman Ruben Diaz in the special election?

They aren't fazed.

"It's not a surprise," said Mike Nieves, Rivera's campaign manager.

Why no shock? Diaz and county chairman Assemblyman Carl Heastie are personal friends, and the two men worked together as members of the "Rainbow Rebellion" to oust Assemblyman Jose Rivera, the councilman's father, as county chairman a few months back.

--John DeSio

BFRDC Endorsement Meeting Thursday

The Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club will pick its candidate in the special election on Thursday night. The club, which covers the northwest Bronx neighborhoods of Riverdale and Kingsbridge and serves as the political home of Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, is expected to back Assemblyman Ruben Diaz.

The meeting will take place at the club's HQ, 304 West 231st Street, and will start at 7:30 p.m. For more info, call (718)796-6177.

--John DeSio

Ruiz Moves Campaign Ahead

Israel Ruiz is sending clear signals that he intends to move forward with his exploration in regards to the upcoming special election for Bronx borough president.

Ruiz issued a press release Sunday night to a variety of media outlets. Included was a copy of his resume, as well as a reminder that he was, indeed, considering a run, if not for borough president then at least for City Council in September.

--John DeSio

Bronx Dems Make It Official, Back Diaz In SpecElec

Apparently, yesterday's meeting of the Bronx Democratic organization was not as "unofficial" as I was originally told.

The county organization has just issued a release announcing that they will be backing Assemblyman Ruben Diaz in the upcoming special election for borough president.

"The Bronx Democratic Party is very proud to support Assemblyman Diaz for Bronx Borough President. He is well equipped to perform as our Borough President and would govern for residents of all corners of the Bronx," said party chairman and Assemblyman Carl Heastie in the release.

Of course, Diaz is psyched.

"I am honored to receive the support of the Bronx Democratic Party. The Bronx Democratic Party has always represented the hard working families of the Bronx and I am proud to continue in that tradition. I look forward to campaigning with members of the Party in the weeks ahead," said Diaz in the release.

The release points out that all Bronx public officials and party officials were invited to the meeting, and adds that Diaz received the "overwhelming support" of those in attendance.

UPDATE: I have a few more specifics about yesterday's meeting at County. 18 of the 24 district leaders attended, including representation from all but one of the assembly districts. One abstention puts the vote total at 17-0-1, well above the majority needed for the endorsement. Again, all district leaders, public officials and other party officials were invited to attend.

--John DeSio