DC 37 backs Smith

By Juan Soto

State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Hollis) got a big boost for his re-election campaign.

DC 37, the largest public employee union in New York City, announced Aug. 15 that it was endorsing Smith in his battle to keep his seat in Albany.

The indicted senator faces a retrial in January on charges he tried to bribe his way onto the Republican line for the 2013 mayoral election.

He is running against former City Councilman Leroy Comrie and attorney Munir Avery in the Democratic primary election Sept. 9.

Comrie was recently endorsed by most elected officials representing southeast Queens and several unions, including 32 BJ.

Munir has the backing, among others, of Unite Here! Local 100, a union that represents food service and restaurant workers.

The 121,000-member union also endorsed Sens. James Sanders (D-South Ozone Park) and Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing).

DC 37 is also backing former city Comptroller John Liu in his bid to unseat Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside).

“We firmly believe that these candidates are committed to representing the interests of hardworking public employees who help make this city run,” DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts said. “With this union’s endorsement comes the powerful pledge to work diligently on their behalf.”