Chaptzem Blog!      

Satmar supporters of Daniel Squadron rallied for him last night in Williamsburg in hopes of boosting Hasidic turnout tomorrow to help the Democratic newcomer's quest to oust Sen. Marty Connor.

The event, which was hosted by supporters of Rabbi Aron Teitelbaum (the UJCARE crew), was touted as drawing some 10,000 people. I can't vouch for that, but judging from the photos sent to me by a reader, it appears to have been quite a crowd.

Also on hand was Rep. Anthony Weiner, who appears to be denouncing Squadron in the photo below, but is actually one of a handful of elected Democratic officials who have endorsed him. (Weiner and Squadron not only both worked for Sen. Chuck Schumer, but Squadron also worked on Weiner's 2005 mayoral campaign).

The bulk of the Democratic establishment is sticking with Connor, as is the other faction of the ever-warring Satmar community.

As I reported today, followers of Rabbi Zalman Teitelbaum (the UJO folks) rebuffed a last-minute request from Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheekey to back Squadron and heeded Brooklyn Democratic Chairman Vito Lopez' request that they remain loyal to Connor.

Interestingly, press release that announced last night's rally said it was also being held to support Rep. Ed Towns, who has on his staff Rabbi David Niederman, a Zalman ally; and Assemblyman Joe Lentol, who is a Lopez ally.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2008/09/satmars-rally-for-squadron.html