Democrat Gustavo Rivera Endorsed By Bill Samuels and New Roosevelt Initiative

Samuels Calls Rivera Strongest Reform and Progressive Candidate with Best Experience;

Urges Unity in Critical Efforts to Defeat Pedro Espada

NEW YORK – Bill Samuels and the New Roosevelt Initiative (NRI) today threw their full support behind the Democrat Gustavo Rivera in the 33^rd State Senate district against disgraced State Senator Pedro Espada. Samuels cited Rivera’s integrity, background as an educator, knowledge of State Government, experience working on progressive causes and his commitment to reforming Albany as key factors in the decision to support his first campaign for state office.

“Gustavo Rivera is exactly the kind of ‘New Roosevelt’ that the residents of the Bronx deserve in their State Senator,” explained Samuels. “At 34 years old, he has already established himself as a natural leader in the progressive movement and a true fighter for reform and transparency, so his first run for public office is bolstered by his lifelong commitment to public service. He has almost a decade of teaching experience at some of New York’s most well known academic institutions such as Hunter College and Pace University. His work to elect Sen. Stewart-Cousins was critical for growing the reform movement in Albany; and his work building strong field operations for President Obama and Senator Gillibrand helped bring new people into the political process and build a stronger democracy. He knows Albany, knows the reforms that need to be made, and he knows how to make them happen. And he’ll bring back true integrity and independence to this office.”

“Rivera is simply the strongest candidate to challenge Espada, and I urge everyone who wants to a better legislature to unite behind him,” said Samuels. “I have great respect for Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter and the other candidates, but a divided field of candidates only increases the likelihood that Espada gets re-elected and continues his reign of corruption and leading the dysfunction in Albany.

“Having recently made the difficult, but right decision to end my campaign for Lieutenant Governor and State Senate President, I understand how difficult it can be to lay aside one’s personal plans for the greater good,” Samuels said. “But I respectfully ask Ms. Pilgrim-Hunter, Mr. Padernacht and Mr. Tirado to make this sacrifice for the benefit of the residents of the Bronx and all of New York State. Together, unified, we can right this wrong and remove Pedro Espada from power.”

Samuels, who was an active candidate for Lieutenant Governor until recently, founded the New Roosevelt Initiative to help identify and support the next generation of progressive leaders. The initiative is a multiyear effort to raise money for insurgent candidates who will reform Albany and end the culture of corruption.

Samuels and the New Roosevelt Initiative have made the defeat of Pedro Espada their first and highest priority in the long term effort to bring true reform to Albany and create a state legislature that works for the people of the state. To support Rivera, New Roosevelt will be building a strong grassroots operation in the district, and building a broad coalition of like minded progressive groups who will bring added strength and expertise to the campaign.

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5 Responses to “Democrat Gustavo Rivera Endorsed By Bill Samuels and New Roosevelt Initiative”

Tweets that mention Democrat Gustavo Rivera Endorsed By Bill Samuels and New Roosevelt Initiative « www.newrooseveltinitiave.com -- Topsy.com
July 8th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by New Roosevelt and Jesse Towsen, New Roosevelt. New Roosevelt said: Gustavo Rivera http://GustavoForSenate.com is the best #NYReform candidate to beat @SenEspada. Read why @ http://bit.ly/cLqD08 [...]
saynotoespada
July 8th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Mr. Samuels did the right thing. I’ve been waiting to see who will emerge as the strongest and most experienced candidate against Espada. It’s clearly Mr. Rivera.

With all due respect to the other candidates, we should do the right thing and unite behind Gustavo Rivera in our common cause to defeat that corrupted individual, Pedro Espada.
Sal
July 9th, 2010 at 11:35 am
It’s great to great to read this amaIng news and finally have a clear front runner in this race. You’re absolutely right about what we have to do here. Now, we can all band together behind Mr. Rivera and finally get Espada out!

I do hope that Ms. Pilgrim-Hunter and the others agree to put their egos aside and step out of the race for the good of their community. Splitting the vote or taking away even a few votes away from the strongest, better candidate would just be to the detriment of the 33rd district. I think Ms. Pilgrim-Hunter’s reputation as a great community leader will not be hurt after this but if she becomes the Ralph Nader of this race, people will never forget.

Let’s hope people do the right thing…for the sake of the 33rd district and for the sake of a new and improved democratic Albany.
Sal
July 9th, 2010 at 11:43 am
It’s great to read this amazing news and finally have a clear front runner in this race. You’re absolutely right about what we have to do here. Now, we can all band together behind Mr. Rivera and finally get Espada out!

I do hope that Ms. Pilgrim-Hunter and the others agree to put their egos aside and step out of the race for the good of their community. Splitting the vote or taking away even a few votes away from the strongest, better candidate would just be to the detriment of the 33rd district. I think Ms. Pilgrim-Hunter’s reputation as a great community leader will not be hurt after this but if she becomes the Ralph Nader of this race, people will never forget.

Let’s hope people do the right thing…for the sake of the 33rd district and for the sake of a new and improved democratic Albany.
The Working Families Party Vs. Sen. Pedro Espada, Jr.: Phase II « Read NEWS
July 21st, 2010 at 1:39 pm
[...] could end up being a bit of a spoiler for Rivera, who also has the backing of 1199/SEIU and of Bill Samuels, the former LG candidate who’s said he’ll help Rivera with up to [...]

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Democrat Gustavo Rivera Endorsed By Bill Samuels and New Roosevelt Initiative

5 Responses to “Democrat Gustavo Rivera Endorsed By Bill Samuels and New Roosevelt Initiative”

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