Endorsements for Surrogate's Court

Earlier this week, at its May 14 meeting, the Three Parks Independent Democrats, a club on the Upper West Side, endorsed Nora Anderson for Surrogate's Court judge, according to Anderson campaign manager Michael Oliva.

It's the latest political club endorsement in the race for the "obscure but powerful" open seat.

The vote breakdown was: 63 for Anderson, 39 for Milton Tingling, 2 for John Reddy, plus 7 members who voted not to endorse anyone.

Last night, the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club voted "overwhelmingly," to support Tingling, according to Tom Schuler, the Democratic district leader.

Last month, Reddy won the "near unanimous endorsement" of the East Side Democratic Club, according to a press release from the campaign.

So now each of the candidates in that race has at least one club's endorsement.

Why is this race important, you might ask?

The Surrogate's Court handles matters related to the estate of people who die without leaving a will. Because the Surrogate's Court appoints lawyers to take care of the estate, it's a place that's ripe for patronage and favor-trading between judges and the politically connected lawyers who helped them get elected.

More on Surrogate's Court here and here.