STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Staten Island Democratic County Committee voted yesterday to endorse congressional candidate Max Rose, who is one of seven Democrats vying to win June's primary election.
The winner of that primary will face either incumbent Rep. Daniel Donovan or ex-congressman Michael Grimm.
Of the 108 county party members who voted, 86 cast a ballot for Rose; nine voted for Radhakrishna Mohan; and eight voted for Michael DeVito Jr. Six members abstained.
"[Rose is] very articulate, knows the issues of this district, raised a sufficient amount of money, went to Washington, got the support of people in Washington," said county chairman John P. Gulino, whose executive committee recommended voting for Rose. "So I'm excited."
Rose's campaign manager, Kevin Elkins, accepted the endorsement on Rose's behalf because Rose, a combat veteran, was on National Guard duty.
"I know he is deeply humbled by the overwhelming show of support from the Staten Island Democratic Party," said Elkins. "As a decorated combat veteran, Max has proven that he has the courage to lead, the integrity to serve, and the experience to get things done."
Rose has $492,586 in cash on hand, far outpacing his Democratic competitors. Omar Vaid, a Democrat who loaned his campaign about $100,000, comes closest with $132,189 in cash on hand.Donovan has $718,766 in cash on hand and Grimm has $198,026.
Rose has quickly coalesced support from national Democrats. He entered into a joint fundraising agreement called the "Better Days Fund" with Rep. Joe Crowley, a Queens Democrat who chairs the Democratic Caucus. Steny Hoyer, the House Minority Whip, endorsed Rose in January.
He's also one of 18 candidates to be named to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Red-to-Blue Program, which provides strategic support and other resources for candidates, earlier this month.
In addition to Rose, DeVito, Radhakrishna, and Vaid, Michael DeCillis, Zach Emig and Paul Spering are also running in the Democratic race.
The Staten Island Conservative Party will endorse a candidate on Feb. 15 and the Staten Island GOP will endorse a candidate on Feb. 21.