 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2009
Contact: Jeanne Wilcke, Campaign Manager, rednyc@mac.com
On the web at www.Pete2009.com
PETE GLEASON WINS KEY DID ENDORSEMENT
Challenger Pete Gleason won a significant victory in the most closely watched endorsement in the hotly contested 1st City Council District race. The Downtown Independent Democrats (DID), widely considered the most influential political club in Lower Manhattan, voted to endorse Pete Gleason over incumbent Alan Gerson by a margin of 64 to 52 last night. The victory is ominous for Gerson because DID has endorsed Gerson twice and most insiders consider DID's endorsement in 2001 with providing Gerson his narrow victory of 400 votes. Without those votes, Gerson's candidacy is now in trouble.
"This is a huge victory for our campaign," Pete Gleason said after the meeting, "with DID's support I'll have the resources I need to bring our message of progressive change and effective leadership to voters throughout the 1st District. DID President Sean Sweeney's support was a significant factor and solidified the Club's endorsement."
Sean Sweeney said of the results "I'm thrilled that our club is supporting Pete Gleason. Pete's record of accomplishment for our community as a Civil Rights Attorney, former NYPD Officer and FDNY Firefighter is exactly the kind of change we need after eight years of ineffective representation in City Hall. DID members were impressed by Pete's commitment to solving the problems of overcrowded schools, overdevelopment and public health that our community faces."
People who have been following the race pointed out that DID's endorsement further secures Pete Gleason's role as the most important challenger to Alan Gerson. DID District Leader Jean Grillo said "This narrows the scope of the campaign. Voters downtown can begin to focus on the choice between Alan Gerson's lackluster performance and Pete Gleason's energetic vision for change."
Jean Grillo and Adam Silvera also won their District Leader races by overwhelming margins against candidates thrown in at the last minute by Gerson supporters. Each won by 3-1 margins. As Gleason supporters, the strength of their wins underscore Gleason's power both in DID and within the Downtown community.
With the club endorsement season behind them, Gleason's campaign will focus on launching their petition drive on June 9th, and continuing their direct outreach to Downtown voters.
###
| |
|
|
 |
|
