Diaz Votes...Will Anyone Else?

Here is Assemblyman Ruben Diaz and his wife, Hilda, voting this morning at P.S. 93 in Soundview.

We already have some reports that voting is very, very light across the borough, so we'll be on the lookout to see who else shows up at the polls today. But Diaz can at least count on these two votes in his race to become the next borough president.

Badillo Makes It Official

This morning, former borough president Herman Badillo released an official statement (to coincide with a press conference) endorsing the likely winner of Tuesday's special election, Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr.

"I have supported Ruben Diaz, Jr. since he first arrived in the State Assembly, and I am proud to endorse him now for Bronx Borough President. I know Ruben has the kind of character and work ethic we can count on to make the Bronx a better place for us and our children," Badillo said.

"I am pleased and grateful for the ongoing and steadfast support of former Congressman and Bronx Borough President Herman Badillo," Diaz. "Congressman Badillo has paved the way for so many of us and has dedicated his life to serving the people of this borough and the City of New York."

Badillo Goes In For Diaz

It's just breaking now, but former Bronx Borough President (the first Puerto Rican to hold that position, in fact) Herman Badillo will officially endorse Assemblyman Ruben Diaz in the special election tomorrow.

Badillo, a former congressman and current author, was elected to the beep's office in 1965, serving until 1970. More recently, Badillo was a "Democrat for Giuliani" and ran for mayor in the Republican primary against Mike Bloomberg in 2001.

More to come...

Greene Named As Likely Deputy Beep

Assemblyman Ruben Diaz has announced the first major hire of his presumptive Bronx borough presidency. South Bronx Assemblywoman Aurelia Greene, who had been considered a front-runner to be the next county clerk, will serve as his deputy borough president, assuming he's victorious in the April 21 special election.

“Throughout her distinguished career, Aurelia Greene has been a champion for Bronxites and for all New Yorkers. She has been on the front lines fighting for tolerance and understanding among all peoples, and she has been a champion for women, children and families; tenants and homeowners; students and teachers; youth and seniors; and consumers, workers and job-creating businesses in the Bronx. She will bring to bear her distinguished record of accomplishment and leadership in our efforts to bring the Bronx to a new level,” said Assemblyman Diaz.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with the next Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz, Jr., who will bring dynamic new energy to Borough Hall,” said Assemblywoman Greene. “I look forward to working with him to implement his vision for a revitalized Bronx. As Borough President, Ruben Diaz, Jr. will balance the needs and desires of our local communities with sensible, job-creating policies that benefit us all. I am thrilled at the chance to help him implement that vision and to make the Bronx an even better place to live, work, or visit for all of us,” she said.

Greene has been in the assembly since 1982, and is the first African-American to hold that body's Deputy Majority Leader position.

Diaz Swings Through Riverdale

A little bit earlier today, Assemblyman Ruben Diaz dropped by the Riverdale Y with his colleague Jeffrey Dinowitz for a bit of an informal meet-and-greet. Here's some video. And excuse the lighting...that's a tough room to film in.

Ribustello Files, "People First"

I meant to put this up the other day, but Republican actor and activist Anthony J. Ribustello has filed over 5,000 signatures for ballot access in the special election for borough president.

As this is a non-partisan election, candidates must choose their own, unique party name. Ribustello has chosen "People First."

Ribustello said that he has gotten a great response from those he has approached over the last two weeks, and that moving forward he would bring his campaign across The Bronx, attending meetings with neighborhood groups and community associations.

“People are tired of the status quo,” said Ribustello.

WFP Backs Diaz

While we cannot imagine who else they would back at this point, given how the field has cleared out during the past week, the Working Families Party made it official today and endorsed Assemblyman Ruben Diaz in the special election for borough president.

"Ruben Diaz Jr. has always been there for the people of the Bronx when they needed him, and we know we can count on him to continue that work as Borough President," said Dan Cantor, Working Families Party Executive Director. "We need to protect and expand affordable housing, improve access to quality health care, and make sure schools receive their fair share of funding. Working with Ruben, we know we can make the change we need."

--John DeSio

Diaz Campaign Kick-Off

For the record, Assemblyman Ruben Diaz made it official yesterday, kicking off his campaign with a large group of supporters on the steps of the Bronx County Courthouse.

The field has thinned significantly, which has taken a great deal of the juice out of the special election. That said, I'll have more on this a little later.

--John DeSio

Ruiz Out, Endorses Diaz

Former State Senator and City Councilman Israel Ruiz Jr. just sent over a press release announcing that he will not be a candidate in the special election for borough president, and that he is endorsing Assemblyman Ruben Diaz.

Ruiz said that he spoke to Diaz, and that he was assured the assemblyman is committed to building a better Bronx.

"Assemblyman Diaz has informed me that under his watch he will work with all concerned to bring people together under the banner of the Bronx Democratic Party," said Ruiz. "He will strive for transparency in fundraising and use of party funds by party leadership. Assemblyman Diaz is committed to hiring the best qualified individuals to work on the economic, housing, education, immigration and employment initiatives that will help the Bronx survive the severe recession we face. I believe that Diaz, Jr. is committed to working for the civil rights of all, and will speak out against any injustices."

Ruiz added, "For the Special Election I endorse Ruben Diaz, Jr., and will work for his victory"

As for his political future, Ruiz indicated that he is still planning to run for City Council against Maria Baez, and will be opening a campaign office within a month.

"Within thirty days, I will be opening a campaign headquarters and have asked for a meeting with Democratic Party Chairman Carl Heastie to discuss my willingness to help in the building of a strong, honest, progressive Democratic Party," said Ruiz. "For thirty years I have helped many elected officials obtain jobs and helped with their aspirations to become elected officials. I never asked for anything in return except that they serve their constituents diligently. Unfortunately some have not been as effective or as honest as I had hoped."

Ruiz added, "In order to ingratiate themselves with past party leaders, some individuals have gone along with a corrupt leadership and system which values blind party loyalty at the expense of honest and effective service to the people. At my political peril, I have received the ire of powerful interest that stopped my advancement within the party. I feel that my experience and commitment can serve the party well."

Reports: Diaz Petitions North of 16,000 Signatures

We don’t have official word yet, but we’re hearing that the campaign of Assemblyman Ruben Diaz has already collected more than 16,000 signatures on its nominating petitions, which is quite a number given that they only started on Monday.

Only 4,000 signatures are required to run in the special election, though candidates typically come in much higher than that to prevent challenges.

Since this is a special election, candidates cannot use traditional party labels and must come up with their own unique ballot line names. Diaz has chosen to place his campaign under the “Bronx Unity Party” banner.

We can also tell you who makes up Diaz’s committee to fill vacancies, which would decide who would take over the ballot line in the (highly unlikely) event that the assemblyman declined to run in the special election. That trio is State Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz (his father) and Assembly Members Aurelia Greene and Jeffrey Dinowitz.

Neither Rivera, Nor Seabrook, In Special Election

For two days a number of rumors have swirled around The Bronx regarding the fate of the candidacy of City Councilman Joel Rivera in the upcoming special election. Rumors included reports of petitions that listed the councilman's father, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, as the candidate rather than his son.

Now, we have some clarity as to what's happening here in The Bronx. Mike Nieves, a spokesman for the Rivera clan, has confirmed to both myself and Bob Kappstatter of the Daily News that neither of the two Riveras, nor City Councilman Larry Seabrook, will be running for borough president.

“Neither Jose nor Joel Rivera are running for borough president, and Councilman Larry Seabrook also confirms to us that he is not running,” said Nieves. “The Riveras wish whatever candidates are in the race good luck.”

Nieves added that the Riveras' were not pushing any other candidate into the race.

"From our side, that's it," said Nieves.

--John DeSio

GOP's Ribustello In For SpecElec

Anthony J. Ribustello, actor, activist and Republican district leader from Throggs Neck, has confirmed that he will be a candidate in the upcoming special election for borough president.

Ribustello joins a field that includes Assemblyman Ruben Diaz, City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera, and possibly Councilman Larry Seabrook and

"I'm a lifelong Bronx resident, and I care about the community," said Ribustello.

Ribustello, who has been active in his community for years, said his campaign would focus on protecting services for Bronx youth and seniors, as well as preserving The Bronx as a haven for the middle class.

In addition to his political work, Ribustello is an actor, best known for his role as Dante Greco, one of Tony's top guys, on The Sopranos.

--John DeSio

We Have A Date

The mayor's office just sent over a press release announcing that April 21st will be the day the Bronx will pick a new borough president in a special election.

That means, despite the snow, the petitioning season starts now and continues for the next ten days.

Rivera Confirms Candidacy, Again

We have a new report that City Councilman Joel Rivera is, indeed, going to be a candidate in the upcoming special election, this time from Gotham Gazette, which reports:

Councilmember Joel Rivera said yesterday “his shoes are on,” and he is ready to announce his candidacy as soon as current Bronx Prez Adolfo Carrion steps down formally, which, the young Rivera added, is scheduled for Sunday.

Rivera had previously confirmed to us that he'd be in the race, though there had been some "will he or won't he" noise in political circles over the past week.

--John DeSio

Video: Diaz Accepts BFRDC Endorsement

Here is the final video of the night, which consists of Assemblyman Ruben Diaz thanking the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club for its endorsement.



--John DeSio

Video: Dinowitz, Press, Speak On Behalf Of Diaz

Here is some video of this evening's meeting of the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club. First, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz speaks in support of Assemblyman Ruben Diaz's campaign for borough president.

Something worth noting: At about 0:40 in the video City Councilman G. Oliver Koppell states that his colleague, Larry Seabrook, has told him he is "likely" to run himself.



Next, Robert Press, vice chairman of the Committee of 100 Democrats, does the same.



--John DeSio

Diaz Campaign Office, Complete With Huge Diaz Photo, Is Open

So we took a ride the other day to check out the campaign HQ of Assemblyman Ruben Diaz, located at Third Avenue and 179th Street, south of St. Barnabas Hospital. It wasn't open when we got there, but we still took a few pics for our own amusement.



And we can't forget the huge, almost dictatorial photo of Diaz on the sign, which reminded Candice of something from the Middle East. Having never been to the Middle East, my initial thought was Che Guevara.



--John DeSio

Committee of 100 Backs Diaz

The Committee of 100 Democrats, a political club based in Assemblyman Jose Rivera’s 78th Assembly District, just announced their endorsement of Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. over the ousted Bronx Democratic County chairman’s son, City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera.

“While we have spoken to other candidates there appears to be no serious competition for Ruben Diaz Jr.,” said Vice Chairman Robert Press.

The resurrected northwest Bronx political club of the late Dominick Fusco, whose membership has been aligned with Rainbow Rebellion leaders in the still ongoing county chair fray, made the endorsement following a special executive committee meeting convened this past weekend.

“We feel Ruben Diaz Jr. has been a voice of the people and has fought for concerns of the people of the Bronx during his time in elected office,” Press added.

The Committee’s president, Ricky Martinez, is also rumored to be eyeing Assemblyman Rivera’s seat for a run.

--Candice M. Giove

Radio, Radio

Tonight, I'll be a guest on the "Perez Notes," hosted by Roberto Perez. Topics will include the upcoming special election, as well as City and State politics in general.

The 7 p.m. guest will be Azi Paybarah of the New York Observer, and I'm sure there will be interesting discussion from all parties.

Listen here.

--John DeSio

Who's In, Who's Out?

Yesterday, Liz Benjamin at the Daily News wrote a piece that cast a bit of shadow on the presumably inevitable campaign of City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera in the upcoming special election.

Benjamin asked Assemblyman Jose Rivera, the councilman's father, about his son's presumed campaign, and later if he might run himself. In both cases, Assemblyman Rivera offered some cryptic responses, and confirmed nothing.

I have also heard from a number of sources that Councilman Rivera may not run for borough president. But I've also heard directly from the councilman that he would run. Until I hear otherwise, I'll take the councilman's word for it.

In related news, the loudest rumor of the day is that another City Councilman, Larry Seabrook, is seriously considering a run in the special election. I haven't heard from Seabrook's camp yet to firm this up or shoot it down.

"As far as I know, that is only a rumor," said Seabrook spokesperson Alison Crouch, who said she would get back to me with more info if she had it.

--John DeSio