James claims unanimous support of Democratic clubs

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul won their party’s backing overwhelmingly at the state Democratic convention in May, but their support at the grassroots level is decidedly more mixed, with a number of Democratic clubs endorsing gubernatorial challenger Cynthia Nixon and lieutenant governor candidate Jumaane Williams.

So far in the state attorney general’s race, the clubs have been more united, with eight Democratic clubs endorsing New York City Public Advocate Letitia James for the open seat. James' campaign says no clubs have endorsed any of the other three Democratic candidates in the race – Zephyr Teachout, Leecia Eve and Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney.

James has endorsements from the Barack Obama Democratic Club, the Black Democrats of Westchester County, the Downtown Independent Democrats, the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club, the Grand Street Democrats, the Lexington Democratic Club, the Samuel J. Tilden Democratic Club and the United Democratic Organization.

Some of the clubs that endorsed Nixon or Williams, such as the Broadway Democrats, the Three Parks Independent Democrats and the Village Independent Democrats, have not yet endorsed for the attorney general race. In an unusual move, the Working Families Party gave support to both James and Teachout at its party convention in May but didn’t officially designate either candidate.

James’ clean sweep – so far – is yet another sign of her frontrunner status in the race. She has racked up endorsements from Cuomo, Hochul, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and Reps. Joseph Crowley, Adriano Espaillat and Gregory Meeks as well as more than a dozen additional elected officials. She also has union support from political powerhouses like 1199 SEIU, DC37 and RWDSU.

The winner of the Sept. 13 Democratic primary is expected to face Republican Keith Wofford, along with several third-party candidates in November. The Reform Party nominated former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara for its ballot line, but he has not indicated whether or not he will run.