Denis Hughes

Even as Alan Hevesi is abandoned by many of his colleagues in the closing stage of the campaign, unions are rallying to save him.

The latest: the state AFL-CIO.

In a statement, Denis Hughes said, "The New York State AFL-CIO is mindful of the legal proceedings currently underway and understands that the process must play out before a resolution to this matter is reached.

"However, while there is much that we do not yet know, what we do know is that as Comptroller, and throughout his 35 years of public service, Alan Hevesi has been recognized as a national leader in the fight to restore and strengthen the role of defined-benefit pensions so that all workers can access a secure retirement."

So he's still got some institutional support after all.

-- Azi Paybarah

If you don't have time to read the 186-page indictment [pdf] against former Assemblyman and labor leader Brian McLaughlin, here are some highlights from the press release from the U.S. Attorney's office in the Southern District of New York:

McLaughlin "allegedly required certain J Division members to make monthly payments to McLAUGHLIN from proceeds that those workers obtained by selling scrap metal and other salvaged materials recovered during the course of their jobs."

He also had union members do personal work around the house like "changing light bulbs; hanging picture frames; shoveling snow; hanging Christmas lights...removing garbage...searching for and capturing rodents in McLAUGHLIN's basement..."

In a breech of State Assembly rules, "McLAUGHLIN allegedly created fictitious positions on his legislative staff and pocketed a share of the salary for one of the purported employees, and he also allegedly submitted false claims for reimbursement of his daily expenses."

And to round it off, he allegedly used "$19,000 from the Clinton Club for his own personal expenses, including rent at his residence in Albany, and the purchase and installation of a wide-screen plasma television at the home of a person with whom he maintained a personal relationship."  read more »

Denis Hughes, President, New York State AFL-CIO said, "Everyone should keep in mind that Brian McLaughlin has not been convicted of a crime and will be afforded the opportunity to respond to and defend himself against these allegations."

Update: Remember the Assembly candidate who had a tribute to Brian McLaughlin? Well, it's down now. It used to be posted here. That candidate, Rory Lancman, issued a statement about McLaughlin, which is after the jump. -- Azi Paybarah