Bronx, NY- Bronx lawyer Dan Padernacht formally ended his campaign today and threw his support behind State Senate Candidate Gustavo Rivera. Padernacht joined several Democratic elected officials in the alliance to elect Gustavo Rivera and defeat scandal-ridden incumbent Senator Pedro Espada in next Tuesday's Primary.
Padernacht and Rivera were joined by Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, New York City Comptroller John Liu, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, State Senator Liz Krueger, State Senator and candidate for New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and members of 1199 and SEIU 32BJ.
"A week from today, one of the most important elections in the state will be taking place in the Northwest Bronx, where voters will have the chance to defeat Pedro Espada and send a powerful message about changing and reforming Albany by electing Gustavo Rivera," said Dan Padernacht.
"Both Dan and I have spent hundreds of hours in our district talking to voters day in, day out. And one thing is very clear: they want change. They want a representative who will make them proud. They want a representative who will stand up to greedy slumlords. Someone who will fight to create jobs, someone who will work to make sure our schools are giving our children a quality education and who will make sure everyone has access to quality, affordable healthcare. They want a leader who will fight for them, and they know they our current Senator does not," said Gustavo Rivera.
"Gustavo Rivera will help bring much-needed reform to Albany, particularly the State Senate. It will take the support of everyone standing here today and everyone in the 33rd district to make sure he is elected. As Assemblyman for the northwest Bronx, I know the urgent need for change in the 33rd senate district. Sadly, Pedro Espada is the poster child for what's wrong with Albany. Whether it's his role in the Republican coup, his consistent flouting of campaign finance laws, or his use of his position to block passage of desperately-needed pro-tenant legislation, it's clear that we must make a change. I would go so far as to say that it's a moral imperative that Senator Espada be defeated. Fortunately, the voters have an excellent alternative: Gustavo Rivera. He will be a true Democrat, committed to Democratic ideals. I look forward to his being my partner in Albany, and I proudly and strongly endorse his candidacy," said Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.
"Part of being a community leader is not only knowing when you have to step up by also knowing when you have to step aside. All of us Democratic leaders have come together to stand behind Gustavo Rivera to defeat Pedro Espada. Espada has been an embarrassment and he continues to be wrong. We need to show New York that we no longer want embarrassment. We want honorable leadership to represent us. We must say no to Pedro Espada. On September 14th everyone in the 33rd district must vote with your conscious and choose Gustavo Rivera for State Senate," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr..
"I am glad we are taking the time to salute Dan Padernacht, who did the right thing. We are coming together behind Gustavo Rivera in union to defeat Pedro Espada," said former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer. "This race is a moral test against the wrongdoings of Albany. We have a great candidate standing before us that will allow us to say we are proud of our senator."
"Dan Padernacht is making a respectable move that will maximize our chances to elect somebody right in Bronx's 33rd Senate seat," said City Comptroller John C. Liu. "Gustavo is a true champion of working families and will fight every day to put the people of the Northwest Bronx first. We have 7 days to elect Gustavo and we must not sleep until we do so."
"Like I have said before, it's no secret that we need real change in Albany and I believe Gustavo Rivera is the kind of reformer New Yorkers need fighting for them," said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. "He will be a strong voice for issues New Yorkers care about. I am proud to stand with all of these public figures and support Gustavo's candidacy for State Senate."
"I would be proud to serve alongside Gustavo Rivera in the State Senate. 19 million New Yorkers know Pedro Espada should not be in Albany. I have no doubt that he will serve his constituents in the 33rd District with the strength and integrity that they deserve," said State Senator Liz Krueger.
"For far too long, New Yorkers have lost confidence in their representatives in government. But for the voters of the Bronx, that's about to change. Gustavo will help restore dignity to the office, bringing fresh, new leadership to Albany," said State Senator Eric Schneiderman. "I'm proud to stand with him, along with Dan Padernacht, and my fellow Democratic elected officials, to support his campaign."
Today's endorsement is the latest in a string of high profile endorsements for the surging Rivera campaign. Rivera was recently endorsed by Reverend Al Sharpton. Newspapers that endorsed Rivera include: El Diario and the Daily News. Elected officials backing Rivera include: Bronx Borough President Reuben Diaz Jr., Former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, City Comptroller John Liu, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, Former Mayor Ed Koch; Bronx Council Members: Fernando Cabrera, Oliver Koppell, Annabel Palma, Borough President Scott Stringer; Senators: Liz Krueger, Eric Schneiderman; Assembly Members: Adriano Espaillat, Daniel O'Donnell; and Council Members: Margaret Chin, Daniel Dromm, Daniel Garodnick, Robert Jackson, Brad Lander, Jessica Lappin, Melissa Mark-Viverito and Jumaane Williams. Democratic clubs endorsing Rivera include: 504 Democratic Club, Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club, Jim Owles Democratic Club and Stonewall Democratic Club. Progressive groups that endorsed Rivera include New Roosevelt Initiative and Working Families Party. Labor unions that endorsed Rivera include UFT, EJ-PAC, CSA, PSC, AFL-CIO, 1199 SEIU, SEIU 32BJ, The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, the Transport Workers Union of America, Communication Workers of America Local 1180, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500, Freelancers Union, Hotel and Motel Trades Council and Organization of Staff Analysts.
