NY Observer > John Sabini

DFNYC Puts 'No-Brainer' Support For Obama on Display

Em Whitney — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:22:45 -0400

Democracy for New York City's Fourth Annual "Summer Cocktail Reception" was all about Barack Obama.

Held at the downtown bar M1-5, the event's theme was "Unity '08," a reference, apparently, to bringing Democrats together (and not to the group that wanted Michael Bloomberg to run for president).

As the guests trickled in, DFNYC finance director Lewis Cohen decorated the bar with "Obama '08" signs.

"I have no doubt we will endorse," he told me.

"I think people are looking at the total candidate," said City Councilman Tony Avella, also a long-shot mayoral candidate. "He [Obama] stands for change, and we need change in the city. read more »

Monserrate to Sabini: Good Luck

Azi Paybarah — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:15:18 -0400

When he announced a deal on O.T.B., David Paterson also nominated State Senator John Sabini as chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.

If he is approved by the legislature, Sabini will leave his seat and avoid a difficult re-election contest against a challenger who almost unseated him in 2006, City Councilman Hiram Monserrate.

On Friday, I asked Monserrate’s campaign for comment on the nomination. Over the weekend, he issued the following statement:

“I wish John Sabini the best of luck in his new position as Chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board. I look forward to the election in November and remain committed to ensuring a Democratic majority in the New York State Senate and providing progressive leadership that advocates for working families in our city and state."

Paterson Grabs Sabini, Bails Out O.T.B.

Azi Paybarah — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:09:44 -0400

David Paterson announced that the state will take over the city's unprofitable Off-Track Betting operation, and confirmed reports that State Senator John Sabini will leave his seat to become the head of the state's Racing and Wagering Board.

“We have a looming crisis right here in New York City,” Paterson said. “Because of a dysfunctional statutory system, the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation is unable to continue its disbursements to the city, the state and the racing industry."

O.T.B. will continue to exist, as is, for the next 90 days, after which it will become a new public benefit corporation controlled by the state, Paterson explained. Had the state not stepped in, O.T.B.--which employs roughly 1,500 people--would have been dissolved on Sunday.

Although he shied away from revealing the financial details of the transfer, Paterson did say that “appropriate legislative reforms” will be passed to allow O.T.B. to pay off its outstanding obligations. He mentioned the consolidation of betting systems and internet services across all the state O.T.B.s as possible avenues for reform. O.T.B. will also likely move out of its current office on 42nd Street to the less pricey Aqueduct, saving the corporation $5 million. read more »

AFSCME Throws Manhattan Fund-Raiser for Monserrate

Azi Paybarah — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:32:26 -0400

A reader passed along this email notice about a fund-raiser for Councilman Hiram Monserrate, organized by the union AFSCME District County 1707, and taking place in Manhattan:

From: Neal Tepel
Sender: xxxxx@xxxxx.net
To: xxxxx@xxxx.net
Sent: Jun 11, 2008 9:10 PM
Subject: [Events] Hiram Monserrate Reception June 25, 2008]]

You are cordially invited to a reception
in support of Hiram Monserrate
in his candidacy for NYS Senate
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm read more »

State Senate Supports Tougher Penalties for Drunk Drivers

Azi Paybarah — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:51:07 -0400

The Republican-controlled State Senate unanimously passed three bills that toughen penalties for drunk driving convictions, which Majority Leader Joe Bruno said "occurs all too frequently in our society." read more »

Two Unions Come Out to Back Monserrate

Azi Paybarah — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:15:23 -0400

Tomorrow in Long Island City, Councilman Hiram Monserrate will be endorsed by two unions, the latest in a string of endorsements Monserrate has been racking up as he prepares to challenge State Senator John Sabini.

The unions are the New York Hotel Workers Union and U.N.I.T.E. HERE. read more »

Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club Endorses Monserrate

Azi Paybarah — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:47:36 -0400

In other endorsement news: The Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens endorsed Councilman Hiram Monserrate. Monserrate is trying, for the second time, to unseat State Senator John Sabini.

The endorsement is not entirely unexpected. Monserrate has the support of the Queens County Democratic Organization, a number of unions and many elected officials. read more »

Monserrate Makes It Official

Azi Paybarah — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:46:02 -0400

City Councilman Hiram Monserrate officially kicked off his State Senate campaign against incumbent John Sabini at a rally in Jackson Heights today.

According to the public statement Monserrate’s campaign just sent out, he already has the support of the Working Families Party, DC 37, and a few other unions. (The Queens County Democratic Organization endorsed Monserrate last month).

Also worth noting: the contact on the press release is Bridget Fisher, a longtime aide to Monserrate who most recently served as his chief of staff.

Here's the announcement: read more »

Helen Sears on 'Hard Decisions' in Queens

Azi Paybarah — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:33:22 -0400

Earlier this afternoon, I asked City Councilwoman Helen Sears of Queens about the political scene in her neighborhood, where the Democratic Party organization decided not to endorse incumbent State Senator John Sabini for reelection. Instead, they are backing his challenger, Councilman Hiram Monserrate.

Sears, a Sabini ally, said she couldn't really comment, but did tell me, “There are political decisions that are made." She added, “They’re hard decisions.” read more »

Would-Be Monserrate Pleased With Queens County Endorsement

Azi Paybarah — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:59:05 -0400

As expected, the Queens County Democratic Organization endorsed Hiram Monserrate for State Senate over incumbent John Sabini earlier today. It’s a major coup for Monserrate, who has been steadily building a base of support in the Jackson Heights-Elmhurst district independent of the county organization.

Most people I've spoken with since the announcement cited Sabini's vulnerabilities (DUI arrest, a narrow reelection in 2006, and low profile outside campaign season) as a reason for the decision. But the other major explanation has to do with demographics: the district has become steadily less white since Sabini was first elected, and more Latino and Asian.

So, what does this say about the Queens County Democratic Organization, arguably the city’s most influential Democratic machine? Is the organization weak for not being able to protect (an admittedly vulnerable) incumbent against a strong challenger? Or is the county organization simply smart for going with a likely winner? read more »