Update: Update: Ruben Diaz defeated Israel Cruz in the primary and will face Moran and Eligon in the general election.
In this contest for the Assembly seat from a corner of the southeast Bronx, Ruben Diaz Jr. faces a challenge from Israel Cruz. Diaz, the son of State Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., was first elected in 1996. His Web site said he has focused on constituent services, health issues -- including the area's high asthma rate -- and environmental justice.
In the current internecine political battle in the Bronx, Diaz is allied with the Rainbow Rebellion, while Cruz has ties to Jose Rivera's county Democratic organization. Diaz, for example, declined to attend a dinner in July honoring Rivera. Diaz is thought to be exploring a run for Bronx borough president next year, as is Rivera' son -- City Councilmember Joel Rivera.
In the general election, the winner of the primary is set to face Republican Nelson Moran and conservative Sandra Eligon.
According to July filing reports, Diaz had about $15,177 on hand. Records for the other candidates were not available.
