As the Democratic Primary draws near (Sept. 9th!) some more people are speaking out on the First Civil Court race in Brooklyn. I want to offer up the opinion of the Brooklyn Papers and Lambda Independent Democrats on Roger Adler and Devin Cohen (the two candidates running). Let me remind our readers of my standard disclaimer: one of the candidates, Devin Cohen, is a friend of mine, so I am biased.

That said, most people seem deeply disturbed by Roger Adler's anti-gay stands, ties to the Conservative Party, ties to jailed former machine head, Clarence Norman, and his public admission that he openly participates in a pay to play political system. By contrast people seem to like Devin Cohen for his even temperment and honesty. From what I can tell, Devin Cohen has practically all the endorsements while Roger Adler has more money.

The Brooklyn Paper has a pretty good rundown on both candidates. To quote:  read more »

This morning I was late to work. As I rushed to the Union St. R-train stop, what should I see but Roger Adler campaigning at this stop.

Now, remember my standard disclaimer: Roger Adler is running against my friend Devin Cohen for the 1st Civil Court seat in Brooklyn. So I come to the table admittedly biased.

Today I took a flyer from Adler's hired hand while I watched him cheerfully wish commuters a good weekend. Adler was quite personable, quite different from the more arrogant and cranky guy I met at the Independent Neighborhood Democrats endorsement meeting. I was happy to see him in a better mood and seeing him finally campaigning personally in the district.  read more »

Sorry for two Devin Cohen diaries in one day...but this one is an event coming up this Wed. August 6th. This is your chance to meet Devin in a casual setting. Here are the details:

In a year in which our political attention is largely focused on the race for president, we are writing to ask you to support the local efforts of our good friend Devin P. Cohen who is a candidate for Civil Court Judge in Brooklyn's district 1. This district includes much of downtown Brooklyn, an area in which many of you reside, play, work, and/or love.

Civil Court judges play a critical role in the life of New York City. Many of the litigants who appear in Civil Court can not afford lawyers and must represent themselves and some are also recent immigrants. It is imperative that the judges who hear their cases be patient, intelligent and dedicated. Devin is the right person for the job.

Devin is a good friend of ours and Dave and Saul have known him since they attended high school together. He is smart and hard-working and has been actively involved in the Democratic Party and progressive political causes in Brooklyn for most of his adult life. He will make an excellent judge.  read more »

Just confirmed two rumors I had heard: my friend Devin Cohen, running for the 1st Civil Court seat in Brooklyn, has been endorsed by Stonewall Democrats and by City Councilman Bill deBlasio.

I still have not been able to find any confirmation of any endorsements for Roger Adler.

The endorsements for Devin Cohen are beginning to become pretty impressive. Both Independent Neighborhood Democrats and Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats endorsed him...and they don't always agree (see, for example, their split on Towns vs. Powell this year in the NY-10 Congressional race). Add to that William Saunders' 57th A.D. Regular Democratic Organization, which I have no direct connection to. Then there are the two main Gay and Lesbian organizations, Lambda Independent Democrats and Stonewall Democrats. I'd call that a formidable combination of organizations each of which will be reaching out to its membership to get out the vote. How many organizations have endorsed Adler? I haven't found any yet.  read more »

Tonight was a fundraiser for my friend, Devin Cohen, candidate for Brooklyn's 1st Civil Court seat, co-sponsored by Lambda Independent Democrats, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, and Independent Neighborhood Democrats, the three main community-based Democratic clubs in the district. The fundraiser was at the home of Harley Diamond and Jonathan Lovett. Assemblywoman Joan Millman, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery and district leaders Bill Saunders, Alan Fleishman and Jo Anne Simon all attended as did future City Council candidate Gary Riley. Forgive me if I left anyone out.

Also was my first chance to meet Isaac Gabriel Cohen, Devin's very mellow seeming 2-week old baby. Very cute! Already seems to have that magical "judicial temperment" that people are always talking about.  read more »