The Independent View: NY Progressives Declare Civil War on IDC Dems Working with GOP

The Civil War among Democrats in the New York State Senate is escalating, with Progressive Activists Planning to Call 1,000 Voters in each District of Eight Democratic Senators who have teamed up with Republicans.

The Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) is a Group of Eight Members of the New York State Senate who were Elected as Democrats and are in a Majority Coalition with the Republicans in the Chamber.

The IDC is led by Jeffrey D. Klein (34th District), and also includes: Marisol Alcantara (31st District), Tony Avella (11th District), David Carlucci (38th District), Jesse Hamilton (20th District), Jose Peralta (13th District), Diane Savino (23rd District), and David J. Valesky (53rd District). "IDC" is not a Recognized Political Party in New York State, so Members of the Caucus appear on the Ballot as Democrats, but support the Republican Leadership once Elected.

Democrats Lost Control of the State Senate in the November 2010 Elections, and removed Klein from his Role as their Chief Election Strategist. In 2011, Klein Resigned as the Democrats' Deputy Leader and formed the IDC. Brooklyn Senator Simcha Felder (17th District), who is not a Member of the IDC, also Caucuses with the Republicans, giving the Republican Party the Majority and outright Control of the Chamber.

“Are you aware that your state senator who is up for re-election is aligned with Republicans?” the Robo-Calls will say, according to Arthur Schwartz, Treasurer of the Progressive Action Network.

The Goal of the Campaign is to persuade the Eight Renegades to unify with Mainline Democrats, or Run Primary Challenges to try to Defeat them. “Is this a civil war? I would say so,” Schwartz said.

Ideally, “Round 2” will be targeting Republican Incumbents, he said.

The Six-Week Campaign will Run from Nov. 16th through Jan. 10th.

Democrats are making a push to take back the Senate Majority following big Victories in Tuesday’s Election. But they can’t do so without the Dissidents working with the GOP under the Independent Democratic Conference.

IDC Spokeswoman Candice Giove said, “Our constituents know their senators are Democrats and will not be fooled.”