"Like so many other Democrats in New York, I worked in 2008 to usher in a new era of progressive change for the state's upper house," he said.

"In 2010 we did the same, but unfortunately lost control of the chamber after only 2 years. Senators Klein, Savino, Valesky, and Carlucci are Democrats who have shown leadership in advocating much-needed reforms in New York, and their 2011 agenda is a broad strategy to help the state's economy recover and restore New York as a leader in important social change. As Governor Cuomo embraced in his State of the State Address yesterday, it is vital that we explore new ways to work together for the betterment of all New Yorkers. The Independent Democratic Conference sets out to do just that, and I hope they find success working with all legislators."

The support of the former Bronx Borough President is significant on a couple of different levels. For one thing, as Dan Janison noted yesterday, the new group quickly earned the moniker "The Caucasian Caucus," since it featured only white members of a conference that is mostly Black and Hispanic. Ferrer, who aimed to the be first Puerto Rican mayor of New York can give them some ethnic cred.

Secondly, Ferrer remains a popular figure in Bronx Democratic circles, so his support of Klein, a fellow Bronxite, could provide some cover for Democrats who want to see their senator support fellow Democrats.