Published: March 3, 2010

Peralta, who has also made Monserrate’s domestic violence situation an issue, has picked up a slew of endorsements in the special election, which is only 10 days away.

Already endorsed by the Queens Democratic organization and its chairman, Congressmember Joseph Crowley, the Corona Assemblymember last week was endorsed by Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and former city Comptroller William Thompson and various labor organizations and women’s groups.

“New York will benefit greatly from having Jose Peralta in the state senate,” de Blasio declared, adding that the lawmaker “understands the needs of working New Yorkers and has been an outstanding advocate for tenants’ rights, services for seniors and a quality education for all students”.

Thompson stated that Peralta will restore stability to the 13th senate district, which includes Jackson Heights, Corona, East Elmhurst and Elmhurst.

Among the labor groups endorsing Peralta which offer the strong possibility of getting major turn-out-the-vote volunteers on March 16, were the state AFLCIO which represents approximately 13,500 members in the 13th senate district; Local 32BJ SEIU, the largest private sector union in the state, and Local 1199 SEIU, United Healthcare Workers East.

Leading the women’s groups flocking to Peralta were the New York State chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW), the Planned Parenthood of New York City Action Fund and NARAL Pro-Choice New York.

Also weighing in on Peralta’s side was the Queens County Young Democrats, headed by Costa Constantinides. The group includes college students and government staffers at every level. “We have an opportunity to help change Albany by helping to elect the Democratic candidate Jose Peralta,” Constantinides declared.

Already in Peralta’s corner are City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Queens Councilmembers Julissa Ferreras (Corona), Danny Dromm (Jackson Heights), Peter Vallone Jr. (Astoria), Mark Weprin (Hollis), Leroy Comrie (Jamaica) and Karen Koslowitz (Rego Park).

Peralta, an advocate for victims of domestic violence, is working with Ferreras to create a Queens task force on domestic violence. Ferreras once was Monserrate’s chief of staff.

Queens Democratic Chairman Crowley hailed Peralta as a lawmaker who has “distinguished himself in the Assembly as a voice for hardworking families in New York. In the senate, Jose will continue to fight for quality education for our children, support for our small businesses and equality for all New Yorkers”.