The Independent Democratic Conference (IDC), consisting of five Democratic New York State Senators, cut a deal with the Republicans to give the Republicans effective control over the New York State Senate despite the fact that the voters elected a 33-30 Democratic majority, have been a thorn in the side of progressives for a year and a half.
It is looking more and more likely that the IDC will escape any punishment for this. Details below the fold.
Not only has alleged progressive Bill De Blasio endorsed the two IDC state senators who live in New York City, but the Working Families Party has pulled its endorsement from longtime public servant (State Assembly, NY City Council, and NY State Attorney General) Oliver Koppell, who is challenging IDC leader Jeff Klein. De Blasio endorsed Klein along with IDC member Tony Avella.
Read it and weep:
Mayor Bill de Blasio has endorsed state Sen. Co-Majority Leader Jeff Klein for reelection. The announcement came the same day the small, progressive Working Families Party took away its endorsement of Mr. Klein’s challenger, Riverdale’s former Councilman Oliver Koppell. While the developments seriously weaken Mr. Koppell’s run, he said Tuesday he would not back out of the race.
Mr. de Blasio also endorsed Queens state Sen. Tony Avella, an IDC member who is facing a Democratic primary challenge from former City Comptroller John Liu.
http://riverdalepress.com/...
I had predicted that De Blasio would not govern as a progressive based on his record of supporting special interests while he was on the City Council. I didn't think he would be this blatant at supporting anti-progressive interests, though.