For what it’s worth–maybe a lot–the New York State AFL-CIO has put out a press release offering strong support to embattled Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno. Liz Benjamin, who had it first, notes that Bruno and 1199 boss Dennis Rivera like to go horseback riding together. Didn’t horses get him into this mess?
New Read MoreAnd they’re off …
Crain’s is reporting that the Greater New York Hospital Association and the powerful 1199-SEIU health care workers’ union have finally thrown down the legal gauntlet and sued Governor Pataki to restore $110 million in Medicaid funding.
The lawsuit is the latest volley in a protracted budgetary ping pong game that Read More
Dennis Rivera, president of the city’s hospital workers’ union, controls the most powerful and sophisticated political operation in the city. This simple fact explains why the four Democratic Mayoral candidates have been wooing him for months in a frenzied–and, at times, unsightly–effort to win his blessing. All this intrigue has created a dilemma for the Read More
As the teachers’ contract fight intensifies, a correspondent reports another sighting the day after union president Randi Weingarten breakfasted with Freddy: 1199 chief Dennis Rivera, lugging his backpack into the UFT’s headquarters for their gathering this morning.
Up at SEIU Local 1199‘s auditorium on West 43rd Street, a packed auditorium of union healthcare workers hollered and danced to an upbeat soundtrack of funk and salsa, played so loud the bass vibrated in my teeth and the most placid of press photographers were tapping their feet.
“Is 1199 in the house?” yelled Read More
A careful reader of today’s Post scoop on 1199′s near-miss endorsement of Mike finds an echo with the Dennis Rivera’s last grand endorsement deal.
Before the 2002 election, Rivera backed Governor Pataki’s reelection after the Governor found about $1 billion — on a state budget of, very roughly, $100 billion — for raises for Read More
You have to think that Dennis Rivera is enjoying the extended, agonizing flirtation with the Ferrer campaign when his spokesman sends on an email headed:
“1199 Endorses…Stringer.”
At this point, Stringer‘s bid for Manhattan Borough President has become a test of whether the usual predictors of victory — politicos, unions, the Times — can Read More
The Ferrer campaign made three minor hires today — or, as the Post would have it, landed a Key Black Strategist or two. But we hear the staffer Ferrer’s team really covets is Patrick Gaspard, Dennis Rivera’s well-reputed political hand, currently the political director for Rivera’s powerhouse union, SEIU Local 1199. Read More
Since Jan. 2, Iowans have been getting to know Mary Schlicte, R.N. In a barrage of folksy television spots and clever mailings, the veteran nurse has been telling them about her deep roots in Cedar Rapids, her seven children and her devotion to Howard Dean.
“I’ve looked Howard Dean in the eye,” says Ms. Schlicte, Read More
Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, who is in the midst of a bitter budget war with his fellow Republican,Governor George Pataki, is about to get help from a powerful ally: Local 1199, the hospital workers’ union. The union, which runs one of the most powerful political operations in the state, is preparing to spend $4 Read More
