Hynes Opponent Gains Momentum

Former federal prosecutor Ken Thompson snagged two key endorsements in his quest for the Democratic nomination for Brooklyn district attorney. Thomson is seeking to unseat embattled incumbent Charles Hynes, who is facing his first serious challenge since he was elected to office 24 years ago.

Citing his leadership and commitment to fighting crime and corruption, Brooklyn Congressmembers Jerry Nadler and Nydia Velazquez today enthusiastically endorsed Ken Thompson for Brooklyn District Attorney over longtime incumbent Charles “Joe” Hynes. By joining Reps. Hakeem Jeffries and Yvette Clarke, Thompson has earned the support of the entire Brooklyn Congressional delegation.

“Ken Thompson has been a true champion for justice throughout his entire career. He understands what it takes to keep Brooklyn safer, while protecting our civil liberties. We need a new, innovative approach to restore integrity to the criminal justice system in our city – where law enforcement and communities are working together to protect our streets. Ken Thompson is the clear choice to move Brooklyn forward, and I’m proud to enthusiastically support him,” said Congressman Jerry Nadler.

“It’s time for a change in Brooklyn. Time and time again, we’ve seen the powerful protected because of political connections, but with Ken Thompson as our District Attorney, everyone will be held to the same standard. I am strongly supporting Ken Thompson for District Attorney because of the new energy and vision he will bring. Ken will fight crime and corruption wherever it exists, but also ensure that every community is treated fairly. I urge everyone in Brooklyn to join me in voting for Ken Thompson this September,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez.

In recent days, Thompson has won the support of Assemblyman Dov Hikind and former candidate Abe George.

“I’m so proud to have the strong support of Congressmembers Velazquez and Nadler, two incredible leaders who have fought for the people of New York for decades and delivered real results,” said former federal prosecutor and candidate for District Attorney Ken Thompson. “Our strong coalition is growing every day because people in every corner of this borough are ready for change. As District Attorney, I look forward to working side-by-side with Nydia Velazquez and Jerry Nadler in the fight for safer streets and equal justice for all of Brooklyn.”

Rep. Nadler currently represents the 10th Congressional District, which includes parts of Borough Park, Kensington, Red Hook, Sunset Park, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights and Gravesend. Throughout his career, Rep. Nadler has been a champion of civil liberties, civil rights, safe and efficient transportation, and a host of issues.

First elected in 1992, Congresswoman Velazquez currently represents the 7th Congressional District which includes the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Bushwick, Greenpoint, Red Hook, East New York, Brooklyn Heights, Sunset Park, and Williamsburg. Rep. Velazquez has made history several times during her tenure in Congress. In 1992, she was the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In February 1998, she was named Ranking Democratic Member of the House Small Business Committee, making her the first Hispanic woman to serve as Ranking Member of a full House committee. Most recently, in 2006, she was named Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, making her the first Latina to chair a full Congressional committee.

The son of one of the first female NYPD officers to patrol the city, Ken Thompson has fought to ensure equal justice and equal protection for everyone throughout his career. As a federal prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, he investigated and prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases. He was part of the legal team that delivered justice for Abner Louima, who suffered some of the most horrific acts of police brutality ever committed in the history of New York City.