Credit: NY Daily News
Political Fallout Over Contribution Refund
“Michael Blake is dead to Senator Diaz,” reports a Bronx Democratic party operative after the Morrisania assemblyman and DNC vice chair rescinded a $1000 donation to Diaz’s city council campaign committee.
The fierce backlash prompted Blake to release a letter denouncing Diaz and his views on LGBTQ issues and apologizing “for any offense caused by the contribution,” reported the NY Post.
“Diaz removed him from his ‘Abrazo’ posters,” said the Democratic insider. Diaz produces and pays for all of the materials promoting the Abrazos. The insider was referring to a series of annual “Abazo” events Senator Diaz co-hosts with other elected officials, such as Assemblyman Blake. Events like “Abrazo Garifuna” (left) recognize and unite the various racial, ethnic and cultural groups in his senate district.
Polanco Wins Bronx GOP Nod
Weeks after NY Daily News columnist and NY1 Road to City Hall host Errol Louis floated his name as a part of a citywide Republican party DREAM ticket, the Bronx GOP voted to endorse attorney and political commentator J.C. Polanco for Public Advocate.
The Bronx GOP also voted to endorse Paul Massey for Mayor and Michael Faulkner for City Comptroller this evening. Chairman Rendino said, “We are very excited for JC and now NYC will find out what we already know. He’s very knowledgeable, talented, and has always been our superstar.”
Earlier today, sources close to Polanco said that he had sent out feelers to the five GOP county leaders and that Bronx GOP leader Michael Rendino was on-board. Tonight’s vote is poof that Polanco is making serious moves to pin down support as he puts together a run for Public Advocate.
Rendino acknowledged that he has already made calls on Polanco’s behalf to the other GOP county chairs. Polanco — a former Bronx GOP election commissioner — is also seeking cross-party endorsements from the Conservative, Independence and Reform party leaders. In a City with a 6-1 Democrat to Republican enrollment advantage, a fusion ticket is considered a beneficial strategy.
The general election is November 7, 2017.
Where in the world is Assemblyman Michael Blake?
Last weekend, the DNC vice chairman was in Sacramento for the California State Democratic Party convention. Protesters disrupted DNC Chairman Tom Perez as he tried to address delegates at the kickoff event.
“Where in the World is Michael Blake?” (Twitter/Instagram @mikeblake1922)
Best In Bronx Political Tweets
The past week’s “Best” include: The Bronx Walk of Fame, DJ Scott La Rock Blvd, The Bronx Stickball Challenge, #ResistanceSummer and the rocking annual Bronx Family and Senior Dance event.
Click activate the gif. Twitter.
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