UFT-backed candidates score big in elections

Even as labor’s prospects grew dimmer nationally as Republicans regained control of the House of Representatives, UFT-endorsed candidates scored key victories in city and statewide races on Nov. 2.

“Last night the UFT stood tall on the political landscape,” said Paul Egan, the director of political action and legislation on the morning after. “The work, drive and total commitment of UFT volunteers over the last few weeks made it happen.”

Both attorney general hopeful Eric Schneiderman and incumbent State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli won election in what looked until the last minute to be too-close-to-call contests.

Meanwhile, Democrat Tony Avella defeated longtime incumbent state Senator Frank Padavan in Queens’ 11th Senate District. State Senator Joseph Addabbo in Queens also beat back a strong GOP challenger. Democrat David Carlucci, who was fighting for an open Senate seat formerly held by the GOP in Orange and Rockland Counties, also won his race. Those victories, in tight races where the UFT’s vigorous support proved pivotal, may allow the Democratic Party to keep the majority in the state Senate.

The single dark spot in the UFT’s bright night was the defeat of one-term Democratic Congressman Michael McMahon in the Staten Island-Brooklyn 13th Congressional District. McMahon lost narrowly to conservative challenger Michael Grimm, a political newcomer.

The UFT did not make an endorsement in the governor’s race.

In his victory speech, Schneiderman, currently a state Senator from upper Manhattan, thanked his volunteer campaigners, including a solid contingent of UFT members. He said their efforts “showed what activists could do.” Comptroller DiNapoli, surrounded on stage by labor leaders including UFT President Michael Mulgrew, credited the state’s labor movement for securing his victory.

The sweetest prize of the evening was former Councilman Avella’s upset victory against Republican State Senator Frank Padavan, who has held the Queens seat for 38 years. Scores of UFT volunteers, including dozens of teachers who leafleted outside polling stations on Election Day, gave Avella the lift he needed in that hotly contested race.

“Avella’s victory and our members’ work in securing that victory is especially gratifying given that the former City Council member started the race some 25 points behind,” Mulgrew said. “We’re proud to have helped make the difference.”

The results in the UFT’s key races