In what is normally a hum-ho boring event where delegates rise to nominate and then second candidates for different available judge positions to be on the Democratic line in the November general election a big surprise happened before the convention. Democratic Mayoral candidate Bill deBlasio was inside the Eastwood Manor where the Judicial Convention was being held an hour before rallying the troops in his bid for mayor. This was closed to the press as reporters from several newspapers and cameras from several television stations waited outside for deBlasio and members of the Bronx County Democratic organization to come out.
When the group came out deBlasio thanked State Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson for being the first Bronx elected official to endorse him early in the campaign. With deblasio were Bronx elected officials (you will see in photos below) from all over the Bronx, of different ethnic backgrounds, those who supported other candidates for mayor in the Democratic primary, but were now a "United Bronx front for Bill deBlasio for Mayor".
DeBlasio said that the road to City Hall goes through the Bronx. "All boroughs are created equal, and it is time for City Hall to act that way". DeBlasio ended his speech saying that he feels very good about his support and the unity in the Bronx. When I asked about former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion stealing away many Bronx votes in his bid for mayor on the Independence Party line, current Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. almost knocked over County Leader Carl Heastie in his haste to get to the podium. Diaz Jr. said "The reality is that Adolfo Carrion has abandoned the Democratic Party, and there is no way he can put together an operation in the Bronx". County Leader Heastie added that the Bronx County organization will work as a unit to elect Bill daBlasio Mayor.
As for the Judicial convention Justice Laura Douglas, Judge Norma Ruiz, Judge Larry Schachner, and Judge Julia Rodriguez were all nominated to fill the four upcoming vacancies which they currently occupy.
Left - The Bronx Democratic County troops assemble outside after a rally inside with Mayoral candidate Bill deBlasio.
Right - Mayoral candidate Bill deBlasio thanks the Bronx Democratic organization for their support in the upcoming mayors race.
Left - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. rushed to the podium to answer my question on Independence Party candidate & former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion.
Right - Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie speaking of the unity in the Bronx to support Bill deBlasio for Mayor.
Left - Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie speaking at the Judicial Convention.
Right - Acting Supreme Court Judge Larry Schachner accepts the nomination for Supreme Court Judge.
