REBNY’s political arm raises $1.9M

LeFrak, Litwin among big donors

From left: Richard LeFrak, Leonard Litwin and Donald Zucker
From left: Richard LeFrak, Leonard Litwin and Donald Zucker

Jobs For New York, the political action committee that is backed by the Real Estate Board of New York, has raised $1.86 million in its first 11 days.

Ninety limited liability companies, tied to 16 addresses, donated to the PAC, which contributes to both Governor Andrew Cuomo and candidates for the state senate, according to Capital New York.

Most donations came from 40 West 57th Street, global headquarters for the LeFrak Organization, where 42 companies — all located on the 23rd floor — donated a combined $75,000. Richard LeFrak, the chairman of the LeFrak Organization as well as a board of governors and housing committee member for REBNY, donated $10,000 to Cuomo in June.

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Four LLCs tied to Leonard Litwin donated $162,000 to the PAC, according to Capital. Donald Zucker, who sits on REBNY’s executive committee and board of governors, was linked to 18 of the LLCs, which donated a combined $160,500.

The PAC has spent $850,000 on Republican state senate hopefuls Sue Serino, Terrence Murphy, George Amedore, as well as Long Island State Senator Jack Martins. According to Capital, Amedore — who is challenging State Senator Cecilia Tkaczyk — received the largest donation from Jobs For New York. Last year, the PAC played a big role in several City Council races, as The Real Deal reported[Capital NY]  — Claire Moses