The City's most powerful editorial board places a shot across the bow of the Albany establishment this morning, endorsing two young reformers over incumbents that have become institutions, while swatting away a challenger deemed inadequate.

On Daniel Squadron (SD-25, endorsed over incumbent Senator Martin Connor):

In the 25th State Senate District in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, another challenger deserves support. He is Daniel Squadron, an energetic former aide to United States Senator Charles Schumer who is running against Senator Martin Connor. Mr. Connor has been in this seat for three decades and accomplished far too little. He has also made a good living as an attorney bumping potential candidates off of New York ballots. Mr. Squadron says he is committed to cleaning up Albany and that serving in the Senate would be his only job. If Mr. Squadron wants to prove his commitment to reform then he still needs to be more forthcoming about his financial holdings. That said, we endorse Mr. Squadron as an enthusiastic new outsider.

On Paul Newell (AD-64, endorsed over incumbent Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver):

Of the two challengers, Paul Newell, a community activist with deep roots in the Lower East Side, has the stronger credentials. Luke Henry, an attorney who moved into the district more recently, is working hard. Mr. Newell has done a better job of identifying Mr. Silver’s weaknesses: mainly, his devotion to closed-door politics, including his refusal to disclose details about his outside income. Mr. Newell is also pledging to support congestion pricing and to press for a nonpartisan redistricting commission, which is essential for real change. In the 64th Assembly District, we endorse Paul Newell.

On Adriano Espaillat (AD-72, incumbent):

As eager as we are to see change in Albany, there are a few incumbents that deserve re-election. One is Democratic Assemblyman Adriano Espaillat, who is defending his seat in Northern Manhattan’s 72nd Assembly District against City Councilman Miguel Martinez. Mr. Espaillat has united blacks and Hispanics in Albany, and he has spoken out for thousands who were being evicted as developers sought higher rents.

Poor Mr. Brinker at NextGenDems "blog" must be smashing his little fists against the keyboard in fury at this impertinence. Heh.

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