Díaz, Palma Critical Of Rep. Jose Serrano; Primary Challenge Possible

Written by Nick Powell

Bronx Rep. Jose Serrano has served in the House of Representatives for nearly 25 years without so much as a threat to his incumbency, with his lowest vote percentage being 64 percent in 1992. However, several Bronx political sources say that there is a groundswell of opposition forming against Serrano, with several names being floated as potential primary challengers for Serrano in this year’s election, including state Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, City Councilwoman Annabel Palma, and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo.

Reached by phone, Díaz was the most critical of Serrano’s leadership, claiming that the congressman has become inaccessible to his constituents, and that he has accomplished very little of note throughout his tenure in the House. Last week, Díaz wrote in one of his “News From The Desk Of” releases that he was “disheartened” that Serrano did not join other elected officials in campaigning and protesting against the recent passage of the Farm Bill, which cut $8 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program over the next ten years.

“There are two things that he’s known for—one, he passed legislation through Congress to honor Frank Sinatra. Number two, he brought Fidel Castro to the Bronx,” Díaz said. “Besides that, what has he done?”

Asked whether he is considering challenging Serrano in the Democratic primary, Díaz deflected any speculation, saying, “I’m not talking about that, I’m talking about our elected officials have to do more for our community.”


http://www.cityandstateny.com/diaz-palma-critical-of-rep-jose-serrano-primary-challenge-possible/