by David Cruz

In a show of force against any would-be candidate, state Sen. Jeff Klein launched his re-election bid drawing major supporters to his side.

On April 22, Klein delivered a 12-minute speech before supporters that included some of the borough’s political elite and big unions. Together they told the Bronx that Klein, head of the power sharing faction the Independent Democratic Conference, is valuable in Albany and therefore in the Bronx.

“My record speaks for itself. I help working people. People just like my parents and grandparents. That’s what it means to be a Democrat,” said Klein, speaking before supporters in the backyard of his neighbor’s house in Morris Park, considered Klein’s base.

The re-election bid is being viewed as an attempt to thwart any plans from former Councilman Oliver Koppell of Riverdale to run against Klein, whose 34th Senate District covers portions of Fordham, Bedford Park and Van Cortlandt Village.

Koppell, a Democrat with strong ties in the northwest Bronx, has waged a war of words against Klein, labeling the IDC president a phony Democrat for partnering with Senate Republicans.

But allies indirectly blasted Koppell’s remarks, listing Klein’s pro-Democratic achievements that included strengthening gun control laws, bringing more affordable housing and daycare programs to the borough and securing state funds to expand the pre-K program.

Klein received flak for not delivering on the DREAM Act and campaign finance reform. Both measures were voted down in the Senate.

“That’s a democracy,” Klein said. “To talk about somehow I stopped the DREAM Act, no, I put the bill on the floor. I voted for it.”

As for campaign finance reform, Klein maintains his optimism that it can get passed next legislative session.

Borough President Diaz Jr., who’s publicly thanked Klein for securing capital funding to expand Metro-North service to the east Bronx, declared he “will do everything in my power and so will all of the Democrats in the Bronx to make sure Klein is elected.”

His endorsement was seconded by Carl Heastie, Bronx Democratic County leader. In a statement, Heastie said he’s “proud to endorse [Klein] for the 34th State Senate District.”

Diaz Jr., one of Klein’s key allies, was joined by a cavalry of politicos from the city and state level to back Klein. But noticeably absent was Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, who’s maintained allegiance to both candidates.

Koppell told the Norwood News he’s “very close to announcing” whether he would run for office or hold off. In a phone interview, Koppell believes Klein “betrayed the Democratic party” for joining Senator Dean Skelos in sharing power in the Senate.

While endorsements mean something, Koppell maintains that it will be the rank and file Democratic voters who will decide the election.

Should Koppell run, the longtime legislator promises the Bronx will learn a different side about Klein.

“They’re going to hear a different story from me when I run,” said Koppell.