NRI and Gustavo Head Upstate

What will Bill Samuels and his New Roosevelts do now that they've reached their goal of defeating Pedro Espada? According to a press release, they're taking their show on the road--and bringing Gustavo Rivera with them--to throw support behind Mary Wilmot, a Democratic candidate running for State Senate in Rochester against a Republican incumbent.

The most-likely-to-be-elected Rivera was in Rochester today to officially endorse Wilmot, who, in turn, had endorsed him against Espada back in August.

Samuels, a wealthy businessman and former candidate for Lieutenant Governor, founded the New Roosevelt Initiative this year to change Albany, he says, by helping to elect more "reform-minded candidates."  His group spent much of the summer campaigning in the Bronx against Espada, handing out leaflets, knocking on doors and pledging $250,000 to see Rivera on the ballot instead.

NRI said the group's next move is to help get more women elected to the legislature. The general election will be on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Rev. Al Sharpton Campaigns for Rivera in the Bronx (VIDEO)

From left to right: former State Comptroller Carl McCall, Rev. Al Sharpton and Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter at a rally today for Gustavo Rivera (photo by Jeanmarie Evelly)

Civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton came to the Bronx today to throw his support behind Gustavo Rivera, now the only candidate challenging incumbent Pedro Espada, Jr. for his seat in the 33rd State Senate District.

He was joined by former New York State Comptroller Carl McCall and former candidate Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter at a rally in East Tremont, organized by the New Roosevelt Initiative, an Anti-Espada reform group.

Sharpton caused an excited stir in nearby apartment Twin Parks East, where he shook hands and posed for photos with residents. He told the crowd he's known Rivera since his own presidential run back in 2004, calling him "a real reformer." Espada, he said, "cuts deals against the interests of our community." Watch the clip below for his full statement.

NRI Canvasses the Bronx with Anti-Espada Message

With the primary less than two weeks away, the New Roosevelt Initiative is stepping up its efforts to take down Pedro Espada. The political group, founded by businessman Bill Samuels, is backing Espada rival Gustavo Rivera with their money and their manpower. Here's a video that NRI released yesterday (they're calling it "I'm Comin' for You, Pedro") of their volunteers in action.



BoogieDowner blog caught some video last week of Yorman Nunez, a former Pilgrim-Hunter campaigner who's been hired by the NRI to head its new Bronx office, as he and volunteers canvassed outside Espada's (disputed) residence.

New Roosevelt Initiative Opens Bronx Office, Hires Yorman Nunez

Earlier today, the New Roosevelt Initiative, a political action committee founded by businessman Bill Samuels, opened a field office on the Grand Concourse near West Tremont Avenue. The goal: to convince voters to dump State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. and replace him with Gustavo Rivera.

The office will be run by Yorman Nunez, a community organizer with the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition.

“Not only do I want the Bronx and voters in the 33rd district to have a Senate Senator they can be proud of, but I want New York State to have the best, most accountable legislature in the country,” said Nunez in a statement released by New Roosevelt. “The first step towards realizing that goal is ousting corrupt politicians like Espada and replacing them with exciting and dynamic reformers such as Gustavo Rivera. I encourage Bronx voters to visit our office and join our important cause.”
 
In the statement, Nunez is described as a "veteran political organizer" and a "seasoned Bronx field operative," a bit of a stretch considering his age (he turned 22 today, according to his Facebook page).  But Nunez does have some political experience.  Last year, he ran - albeit briefly - against then-Councilwoman Maria Baez, dropping out before filing his petition signatures.  He later worked on Bill Thompson's mayoral campaign, and earlier this year served as Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter's campaign manager. Pilgrim-Hunter, another Espada opponent, ended her challenge in July citing a lack of money.
 
The New Roosevelt Initiative previously announced it was spending at least $250,000 on its anti-Espada effort. But it came under fire recently from Rivera-supporting labor groups, who say it hasn't been as active as they hoped.
 
For more about the organization and its new Bronx office, check out this Riverdale Press article.

New Poll: Espada Vulnerable But Crowded Race Benefits Him

Despite low name recognition, Gustavo Rivera is currently tied with State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. in a head-to-head matchup, according to a recent poll conducted by Red Horse Strategies on behalf of the New Roosevelt Initiative, a political committee which has endorsed Rivera.

When Daniel Padernacht, the third candidate in the race, is added to the equation, however, Espada jumps into a healthy lead. (Concerned about the “Ralph Nader” effect, Rivera and the New Roosevelt Initiative have been urging Padernacht to end his campaign - so far without success.)

There's more analysis from the poll below.

In related news, State Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. officially endorsed Espada today at a church in Kingsbridge, according to Riverdale Ramblings. His son, Bronx BP Ruben Diaz, Jr., is considering backing Rivera.

New Roosevelt Initiative Poll