What a weekend this has been for Micah Kellner, candidate for New York State Assembly (65th Assembly District).
On Saturday, he hooked Comptroller's Bill Thompson's endorsement, and, only moments ago, it was announced that Christine Quinn, Speaker of the New York City Council, also endorses Kellner's run for the seat. (Is there no "day of rest" for these politicians?)
Here's the release, in its entirety.
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MICAH KELLNER FOR STATE ASSEMBLY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER CHRISTINE C. QUINN ENDORSES MICAH KELLNER FOR NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn announced her support today for Democrat Micah Kellner, Democratic candidate for Assembly in the 65th Assembly District, which includes Manhattan's Upper East Side, Yorkville and Roosevelt Island. In announcing her support of Kellner's campaign, Speaker Quinn said:
"I have known Micah Kellner through his activism on behalf of all New Yorkers, both as a government aide and as a Democratic State Committeeman who has been an outspoken member of the Party's Reform Caucus. As an Assembly Member, Micah Kellner will be a tireless advocate for the residents of the East Side and Roosevelt Island, and a progressive voice in State government.
"Micah has demonstrated that he possesses the skills that a public servant must have in order to honestly and effectively represent his constituents. Whether it was his testimony at the Landmarks Preservation Commission and at the recent Council hearings regarding the landmarking of the City and Suburban First Avenue Estate buildings, his work on transportation issues affecting Roosevelt Island, or his history of tireless advocacy on behalf of New Yorkers with disabilities, I am convinced that Micah Kellner will always work to respond to the needs of each and every one of his constituents," Speaker Quinn said.
"I believe effective government is about solving the problems people face in their everyday lives, and Micah is the best candidate to do just that. He will undoubtedly be a valuable ally in the fight to ensure that New York City gets its fair share of funding from Albany for our children's schools; he will be a strong and clear voice for reform; and, he will fight to create and protect quality affordable housing. Micah Kellner will be a real partner in government and a leader for all of the issues that matter most to residents of the 65th Assembly District."
In January 2006, City Council Members overwhelmingly chose Christine C. Quinn to be Speaker of the New York City Council. Since 1999, Speaker Quinn has served as the Representative for the 3rd Council District of Manhattan. She has been a long-time pioneer for equal rights, comprehensive health care, improved schools, tenants' rights and affordable housing. Speaker Quinn has been rated one of the fifty most powerful women in New York City by the New York Post, and one of the most influential New Yorkers by New York Magazine.
She is proud to join Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Assembly Member Jonathan Bing, and her colleagues in the City Council, Jessica Lappin and Dan Garodnick, in supporting Micah Kellner's candidacy for New York State Assembly in the 65th District.
Speaker Quinn's endorsement adds her name to the growing list of supporters who have endorsed Kellner's candidacy. Prominent Democrats and organizations supporting Micah Kellner for the New York State Assembly includes:
- Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney;
- Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer;
- Councilwoman Jessica Lappin;
- Councilman Daniel Garodnick;
- Assemblyman Jonathan Bing;
- Frank Wilkinson, Democratic District Leader in the 65th A.D.;
- Ruth C. Halberg, Democratic State Committee Member for the 65th A.D.;
- Pauline Dana-Bashian, Democratic District Leader of the 65th A.D.;
- Betsy Feist, President, East Side Democratic Club;
- Jerome Tarnoff, Secretary, New York County Democratic Committee;
- Ronnie Terr, former Democratic District Leader, 65th A.D.;
- Ken Mills, 65th A.D. Democratic County Committee Member & former Democratic District Leader;
- Barry Klein, former President, Manhattan Young Democrats and former Democratic candidate, 65th A.D.;
- Brad Hoylman, Democratic District Leader and former President, Gay & Lesbian Independent Democrats;
- Dirk McCall, former President, Stonewall Democratic Club;
- Alexander Wood, past 504 Democratic Club President & 2004 Democratic Nat'l. Convention Delegate;
- Margie Smith, Member, Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council*;
- Steve Marcus, former President and current Member, RIRA Common Council*;
- James Whalen, Executive Committee Member, Lenox Hill Democratic Club and Member, RIRA Common Council*;
- Roslyn Fernandez, 65th A.D. Democratic County Committee Member from Roosevelt Island;
- Helene Simon, Executive Committee Member, Lenox Hill Democratic Club;
- Brian Chenensky, Executive Committee Member, Lenox Hill Democratic Club;
- Josephine Barnes, Executive Committee Member, Lenox Hill Democratic Club;
- League of Humane Voters;
- and Animal Friendly NYC.
* Organizations listed for identification purposes only