Anti-IDC groups reject Dem coalition calling for primaries against breakaway group

Political groups opposed to the Independent Democratic Committee are still beating the drums of war against the rogue group of state senators after a tentative peace was brokered with the mainline Democrats.

The IDC, which now includes Sens. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) and Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) was formed in 2011 in the hope of passing progressive legislation in the face of the conservative Republican majority in Albany.

Up to 37 political action groups statewide signed on to a press release from progressive group No IDC NY with statements accusing the IDC of caucusing with the GOP, blocking progressive legislation and only agreeing to a Democratic Party reunification deal last week to avoid primary challenges.

“We do not and will not ever support a ‘deal’ that allows Jeff Klein and the IDC to rejoin the mainline conference with impunity. Turncoats cannot be rewarded with long political careers and leadership benefits,” Susan Kang of No IDC NY. “The grassroots momentum will support only one solution in regards to creating an effective and functional Democratic Senate majority: beat IDC at the ballot box. Strong primary challengers are rising as we speak in all eight IDC districts, and we believe strongly that IDC members will lose their primaries next year. We encourage the mainline Democrats to follow our lead and support the anti-IDC challengers.”

Read more: https://www.timesledger.com/stories/2017/49/idc_2017_12_08_q.html