(New York City) - The progressive Village Independent Democrats endorsed Green Party Governor candidate Howie Hawkins at their Friday endorsement meeting.
It is the first time in the venerable club's history that it has endorsed a third party candidate for any office.
"I know it is a bold move for any Democratic club to endorse outside the party. But it makes sense as I'm the only candidate who will stand up for the 99% who are getting a raw deal from politicians. I am the only candidate who will ban fracking, and create millions of jobs by moving to 100% clean energy by 2030. And I'm the only candidate that will put a floor on wages with a $15 minimum wage. The endorsement makes sense as I am the only progressive running for Governor." Hawkins said greeting the endorsement with gratitude.
"This historic endorsement, by this storied Democratic club is further proof that my campaign is gaining momentum as more attention is paid to it and progressives disaffected with Governor Cuomo and Albany corruption are finding a home in my campaign and where I stand on the issues."
The 57 year-old club is best known for helping put an end to Tammany Hall and for starting Ed Koch's political career.
"I suggested that our club give thought to endorsing Howard Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for Governor, as he embodies many of our principles including his strong support of labor and the working man. His opposition to fracking is yet another way that he espouses our efforts," said Village Independent Democrats Executive Committee member Frieda Bradlow.
"Howie Hawkins represents the kind of strong progressive politics this club has historically stood for; such as when, with the aid of Eleanor Roosevelt, it helped put the kibosh on the last vestige of Tammany Hall style corruption in New York in the early 1960s.Since the new breed of political corruption takes the form of corporate money smothering our democracy, our club is staying true to its roots by supporting Howie Hawkins: a genuine friend of the working and middle classes," said long time club member John Bredin.
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