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2013 Democratic Mayoral Candidates Jointly Endorse Grace Meng for Congress
Speaker Quinn, Comptroller Liu, Public Advocate de Blasio & Former Comptroller Thompson gather to support Grace for newly drawn 6th Congressional District in Queens

Monday, April 16 New York City Hall The likely candidates for the Democratic nomination for the 2013 Mayoral race gathered on the steps of City Hall today to jointly endorse Assemblywoman Grace Meng for Congress. Each of these city leaders spoke about Assemblywoman Mengs commitment to protecting our middle class, her ability to deliver tangible results for New York, and her vision for the future of the country. The Democratic Primary for this newly drawn district, which is now entirely in Queens, is June 26th.
Said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn: "Grace Meng is a serious legislator with a clear, realistic vision for how our representatives in Washington should work together to address the serious problems we face: creating jobs, supporting and growing small businesses, and protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare. New York City's strength is its diversity and I know, in Congress, Grace will be a leader for all New Yorkers because she's been exactly that kind of leader for the Queens neighborhoods she's been representing for years. Grace is a true progressive that we can trust to stand up for us in Washington."

Comptroller John Liu said: "Grace is an experienced legislator, lawyer, community advocate, and mother who understands the serious issues facing hard working families. She will hit the ground running representing a district that needs a strong voice in Washington. Grace deserves our support and I will continue to spare no effort to campaign for her election to Congress from the 6th District, where I am proud to be her constituent."

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio shared: "I am pleased and proud to endorse Grace Meng for the 6th Congressional District. Grace has a proven record as a champion of the middle class, a leader in state government, and a fighter for fairness and equality for all New Yorkers. Our working families need a strong and clear voice to cut through all the noise in Washington and fight for us -- and Grace is it." Former Comptroller Bill Thompson stated: "Our city and country face tough choices in the coming years.
Choices about how to strengthen our economy, how we create jobs, and how we make sure the American dream is affordable for all. We need representatives in Congress who will make the hard choices necessary to build our middle class, educate our children and protect seniors. That is why I am supporting Grace Meng for Congress. Grace knows how to get the hard work done and won't allow the gridlock in Washington to be an excuse for not delivering for the hard working families in New York. Grace is a champion for the middle class and she will make an excellent Congressperson."

I am honored to stand with these leaders, each of them incredibly accomplished in the various offices theyve held and in the important jobs they do now said Assemblywoman Meng. Each of these superb public officials has a vision for New York City that includes creating jobs for our residents, keeping the city affordable for the hard working families that are its backbone, and protecting the safety net that allows our seniors and most vulnerable neighbors to live in dignity. As these leaders; from the past and current city comptrollers to the city council speaker to the public advocate; struggle to find the answers and solutions that will make their visions more of a reality, they need partners in federal government who will bring back the resources and mandates to help. That is why I am so proud to accept all of their endorsements for my Congressional run in the 6th District. With partners like these in government, I know that I will be able to deliver for the working families of Queens and New York. Together we can put our city back to work, alleviate some of the strain hard working families are feeling every day, and provide for our seniors. Grace has been endorsed by the Queens County Democratic Party, Congressman Joe Crowley, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, the Hotel Trades Council, Emilys List, Honorable Fernando Ferrer, Reverend Assemblyman Karim Camara (and the overwhelming majority of members comprising the NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus) and community leaders, activists, and public officials from throughout the district and county. Civic and Community Leaders Supporting Grace include (list in formation): Jack Friedman, past-President, Northeast Queens Jewish Community Council, Don Capalbi, President, Queensboro Hill Neighborhood Association, Al Rankins, President, Concerned African-Americans of Flushing, Martha Taylor, District Leader, Chairwoman, Friends of Cunningham Park, Shirley Gilbert, President, NE Queens Multicultural Democratic Club, John Byas, President, Rachel Carson Youth Center; Member, Community Board 7, Debra Markell, District Manager, Community Board 2 Jerry Iannece, Chairman, Community Board 11, Dilip Chauhan, South-Asian Community Leader, Harpreet Singh Wahan, Sikh Center of Flushing, Dorothy Woo, President, Holly Civic Association, Jack Como, Chairman, Italian American PAC, James Lisa, President, I AM PAC, Bob Fonti, Vice President, I AM PAC, Vincent DAngelo, Secretary, I AM PAC, Paul Vallone, President, Clinton Democratic Club, Joe DiPietro.

Borough President Helen Marshall, Comptroller John Liu, Honorable Claire Shulman, Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, Councilman Leroy Comrie, Councilman Mark Weprin, Councilman James Gennaro, Councilman Ruben Wills, State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, State Senator Tony Avella, Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, Assemblyman David Weprin, Assemblyman Michael DenDekker, Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz, Honorable Netty Mayersohn, Honorable Melinda Katz, Honorable Howard Pollack, Honorable Carol Gresser, Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras, Councilman Peter Koo, State Senator Michael Gianaris, Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, Honorable Martha Taylor, District Manager Debra Markell, Deputy Borough President Barry Grodenchik, State Senator Jose Peralta, Assemblyman Francisco Moya, Councilman Daniel Dromm, Honorable Rebecca Lynch, Honorable Frank Gulluscio, Honorable Evan Stavisky, Honorable Mike Sais, Honorable John Dorsa, Honorable Mary Ann Dorsa, Honorable Veronica Morales, Honorable Jessica Ramos, Honorable Helen Sears, Honorable Barabra Jackson.