Once McGrath backers, unions switch to Kaminsky in Senate race
State Sen. Todd Kaminsky Credit: Newsday / Audrey C. Tiernan
Public and private sector labor unions that endorsed Republican Chris McGrath in his special election loss to Democratic Sen. Todd Kaminsky in April have now switched sides for their November rematch in the 9th Senate District.
The Nassau Police Benevolent Association, Superior Officers Association, Detectives Association, along with the 1199 SEIU, each announced last week that they have endorsed Kaminsky (D-Long Beach) after backing McGrath in April. They cited Kaminsky’s legislative work during the past session.
“It’s comforting to know that Todd Kaminsky has our back and that’s why we have his,” said PBA president James Carver.
Also backing Kaminsky, a former federal prosecutor, are the Police Benevolent Association of New York State, the Rockville Centre PBA and the Nassau Police Conference.
“I worked hand-in-hand with law enforcement and I know how hard their job is,” Kaminsky said.
A Senate GOP spokesman said in a statement: “As an Albany incumbent it would be bigger news if Todd Kaminsky was seeking and then being denied these endorsements.”
Robert Brodsky is a breaking news reporter who has worked at Newsday since 2011. He is a Queens College and American University alum.
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