YNN's Capital Tonight: State of Politics 32BJ SEIU Drops Kellner by Nick Reisman

…Like a bad habit and then some.

32BJ SEIU has rescinded its endorsement of embattled Assemblyman Micah Kellner and its executive board swung its support to his primary oppnent, Democrat Ben Kallos.

Kellner is at the center of the latest sexual harassment case to hit the Assembly, one that is now being investigated by the Joint Commission on Public Ethics.

    “Given the allegations against Kellner, we cannot in good conscience continue to support his candidacy, and call on him to withdraw from the race,” said Kyle Bragg, secretary-treasurer of 32BJ SEIU. “We are deeply disappointed, and do this with a measure of sadness, but it is the right thing to do.”

It’s the latest in a string of endorsements Kellner has lost since the allegations, dating back to 2009, surfaced this summer.

Longtime Assembly counsel Bill Collins left his post after reportedly failing to notify Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver of the harassment complaints.

While the Kellner scandal could have long-ranging impacts on Silver and the Assembly leadership, the more immediate fallout is likely this council race in Manhattan.

The union pointedly noted it has never rescinded an endorsement until now.

    “Ben Kallos is a hard-working progressive who has always fought for the rights of working men and women,” Bragg said. “As a lawyer, he fought to get retirement and health benefits for working families, and has been an advocate on issues that are important to the working men and women of New York City, like education, affordable housing, and tax reform.”