More Endorsements for Espada Opponent Gustavo Rivera

UPDATE BELOW

The influential and powerful Working Families Party is supporting Gustavo Rivera (pictured) in his effort to unseat State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr.

In a statement, Dan Cantor, the party's executive director, said:

Pedro Espada favors landlord interests over tenants every time. He cast our government into chaos for his own political gain. No Albany politician makes a better case for early retirement.

Gustavo Rivera is a reformer with the smarts, the leadership, and the heart to clean up Albany and stand up for the tens of thousands of tenants in the Bronx. Pedro Espada has bundles of landlord cash, but Gustavo will have a grassroots army and the support of a community that is sick and tired of the status quo.

We have helped progressive challengers before, but never has there been as much at stake for the people of New York.

The Times broke the story of the party's endorsement on Friday.

In more good news for Rivera's campaign, a "key Bronx elected official" has decided to support him, according to a press release from Rivera's campaign.  Rivera will announce who it is at a press conference outside Vladeck Hall, at the Amalgamated Houses, at 2 p.m. this afternoon.  The building's located at 74 Van Cortlandt Park South.

Rivera also has the backing of the New Roosevelt Initiative, and Council members Annabel Palma and Melissa Mark-Viverito, among others.

UPDATE 11 a.m.:  So we heard from Rivera's campaign.  The "key Bronx elected official" is Councilman Oliver Koppell.