(Bronx, NY) - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz endorsed Gustavo Rivera for State Senate today, the latest endorsements for Rivera's surging campaign against scandal-ridden incumbent Senator Pedro Espada.

Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. said: "It is time for change in Albany, and Gustavo Rivera will bring that change to the 33rd District. Gustavo Rivera is committed to reform, in both the Bronx and in Albany, and will fight for the people of his district, the Bronx and the entire State. Not only is Mr. Rivera a smart candidate with real ideas for improving the lives of his future constituents in areas such as housing, healthcare and quality of life issues, he is a true Democrat who--unlike the unfortunate incumbent Pedro Espada--will not abandon the shared principles of both his party and the voters who sent him to Albany. In Gustavo Rivera we have a bright, intelligent young man who shares my vision for a better Bronx for all 1.4 million of its residents, and together we will continue to work to make our neighborhoods great. I urge all voters in the 33rd District to join me in supporting Gustavo Rivera for State Senate."

Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said: "I endorse Gustavo Rivera. He will help bring much-needed reform to Albany, particularly the State Senate. 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. His skills as an educator, as a labor organizer for the Obama campaign, and his work for key elected officials give him the wealth of knowledge and experience that we need. I look forward to his being my partner in Albany, and I proudly and strongly endorse his candidacy."

"Ruben Diaz Jr. and Jeffrey Dinowitz have served the Bronx with distinction, fighting for living wage jobs, good schools, affordable housing and much more," said Gustavo Rivera. "I am honored to have the support of distinguished leaders like these for my campaign."

Today's announcement is the latest in a string of high-profile endorsements for Rivera, who has received support from former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, Bronx Councilmember Fernando Cabrera, former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, and Comptroller John Liu in recent weeks.

 
For more information and a list of supporters of Rivera's campaign, please visit:
www.GustavoForStateSenate.com