In the race to replace Alan Fleishman as the male district leader in the 52nd Assembly district in Brooklyn, Chris Owens just picked up an unexpected and impressive endorsement. From Chris Owens' campaign:

On Saturday, June 12, New York City Comptroller John C. Liu boldly stepped up to the plate for reform Democrats in Brooklyn and proclaimed his support of Chris Owens for Democratic State Committee in the 52nd Assembly District.

At a pre-Parade party during Brooklyn Pride weekend, while thanking members of the Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn for their support, Liu declared "I am with Chris Owens."

Owens was surprised and very pleased with the unsolicited endorsement. "As a citywide elected official, John Liu did not have to get involved with a messy situation within the Democratic Party and go against the County Leader, but, understanding the need for change in New York, John Liu showed the courage that got him elected Comptroller and I appreciate that greatly," said Owens.

Owens continued. "The community knows that Chris Owens is the independent Democrat for State Committee who can work with anyone, but who will owe no one. To make change in New York -- and within Brooklyn's Democratic Party -- that is the approach we need to have and I am glad that Comptroller Liu gets it."

Liu's endorsement of Owens joins recent endorsements from the Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, City Council member Letitia James, retired Congressman Major Owens, attorney Norman Siegel, FUREE activist Beverly Corbin, community leader Sandy Balboza, and others

My wife also has a shirt just like the one Chris is wearing in the picture above. I think she got hers in California during the whole Hate Amendment fiasco.

John Liu has been establishing some strong ties in the 52nd Assembly District and I think this is an extension of that developing friendship. So though it comes as a surprise, it isn't a COMPLETE surprise to me. I've known Chris since his run for Congress and have always found him an inspiring speaker and reliable progressive. I am glad to see him getting so many great endorsements in the district. This also happens to bring together two of my son's favorite politicians. Sure, as a 5 year old he can't vote, but he has always expressed his preferences anyway: as a baby crying every time he heard Gifford Miller speak and later wanting to hand out fliers for candidates like Devin Cohen and John Liu. I think Chris would make an excellent District Leader and he clearly knows what is needed for the job and the dynamics of the district.

Here is more info from Chris Owens' website:

Chris is a public school graduate as well as a public school parent. He has an M.P.A. from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School, a B.A. in Sociology from Harvard University, having graduated from the Bronx High School of Science. Professionally, Chris has worked with low-income populations in need of quality health care and better public education. He has been a musician, a politician, an activist arrested protesting police brutality and the closing of NYFD Engine Company 104, an organizer, an Air America Radio host, and a fighter against Atlantic Yards and for sensible development. Chris has been involved with numerous organizations, community initiatives and election campaigns. For his community work, Chris Owens has received honors from People for the American Way and the Brooklyn Children's Museum, amongst others. Chris Owens is the most qualified candidate to serve as our Democratic State Committee member.

Today, the Kings County Democratic machine wants to control votes and endorsements in our Assembly District and the County Leader is running candidates to make that happen. Unfortunately, a history of judicial corruption and unethical behavior distinguishes the current Party leadership.

I should note I have been verbally attacked online by some of Vito Lopez's cronies for my support of Chris Owens, which, to me, is the best sign that endorsing Chris is the right thing to do.