The Riverdale Press is reporting that Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. won’t be supporting his former colleague and fellow Latino Sen. Adriano Espaillat in his challenge to long-time incumbent Rep. Charlie Rangel.
Riverdale Press reporter Adam Wisnieski spoke with BP Diaz after a Community Board #8 meeting last week:
“When Mr. Diaz showed up unexpectedly to the Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale for last week’s Community Board 8 meeting, we asked him who would get his endorsement if Mr. Espaillat challenged Mr. Rangel.
He didn’t hesitate.
“I will support Charlie Rangel,” he said.”
Continue reading Espaillat will challenge Rangel – The Riverdale Press.
He should be neutral. Rangel is a dinosaur that does not deserve support. He is scandal ridden and his credibility non-existent. To support him suggests fear of not doing so, because he has the insider trading power of decades. The Bronx Boro President need not venture into Harlem. Let the people of Harlem bring the new talent to light and debate it out. Diaz brings unnecessary attention to himself in a no-win situation when it comes to his integrity. The question will always be fronted–What was in it for Diaz to make this endorsement of a has-been of questionable merit?
BP Diaz stated his support because the new NY-13 district extends into the Bronx communities of Kingsbridge and Norwood. Endorsements are the lifeblood of political campaigns. Voters can –and do– ignore endorsements. I commend Diaz for giving a straight answer.