This comes from the Steve Behar campaign, though I thought much the same when I saw Bloomberg had endorsed Vallone:

Bloomberg Endorsement of Lobbyist Paul Vallone ‘Not Surprising’

In what appears to be another backroom political deal, registered lobbyist Paul Vallone’s father has cornered another one of his political cronies into endorsing his son for the district 19 council race, according to rival democratic candidate Steve Behar.

As with Vallone’s other endorsements, the only reason cited in Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s endorsement of the democratic candidate last week is Vallone’s last name. The Vallone family endorsed Bloomberg for mayor in 2005, and this latest act is further evidence of the influence of private wealth and nepotism in New York politics.

Behar, who has been endorsed by incumbent councilmember Tony Avella (D-District 19), is also concerned that Paul Vallone’s candidacy adds the influence of special interests into an already damaged political arena.

“It’s not surprising that a candidate who is a registered lobbyist for real estate developers is being endorsed by a mayor who has been selling this city and our district to those same developers for the past eight years,” said Behar.

Steve Behar is an attorney, small business owner and long-time resident of Bayside. He is also a community and political activist who has worked locally, across New York State and nationally to promote progressive ideas and candidates, and promote honesty and transparency in government.

The 19th City Council District in Northeast Queens is comprised of the neighborhoods of Bayside, College Point, Auburndale, Beechhurst, Whitestone, Bay Terrace, Malba, Robinwood, Flushing, Douglaston and Little Neck.

I should note that in addition to Tony Avella's endorsement, Behar has received endorsements from Howard Dean's Democracy for America and their local affiliate, Democracy for NYC, as well as Queens County Progressive Democratic Club, The New York Community Council, Democrats for New Politics, and from civil rights champion and Public Advocate candidate Norm Siegel. I have met Steve and he is, without question, among the most honest and upfront candidates in NYC. And to me that is worth a great deal!