Three Groups Endorse in East Side Race

By [Dan Rivoli] East Side Assembly Member [Jonathan Bing](http://www.jonathanbing.com/) announced a "trifecta of progressive endorsements" for his re-election. The four-term state lawmaker got the endorsement of NARAL Pro-Choice NY, the Empire State Jonathan Bing is running for a fifth term in the Assembly this year. He faces high school teacher Gregg Lundahl in the Democratic primary. Pride Agenda, a pro-gay rights group, and the New York League of Conservation Voters. Each group praised Bing for supporting or writing legislation in favor of their causes. NARAL called Bing "committed to protecting women's reproductive rights" by sponsoring a bill that increased penalties for injuring women that seek abortions or the health care workers that provide them. Bing is also a same-sex marriage supporter and has sponsored legislation that bans anti-LGBT discrimination. The League of Conservation Voters singled Bing out for writing the bill that [adds cameras on First and Second avenues ](http://nypress.com/2010/06/30/bus-lane-cameras-approved/)to make sure vehicles stay out of the new bus-only lanes. [Transportation advocates](http://nypress.com/2010/04/14/bus-lane-not-yet-on-candid-camera/) believe that without physically separated bus lanes, cameras are needed to make sure Bus Rapid Transit is successful. "Assemblyman Bing has been a strong ally on environmental issues, including his successful efforts this year to improve bus transportation in New York City," Marcia Bystryn, the League's president, said in a statement. Bing is facing a primary challenge from high school teacher [Gregg Lundahl](http://greggforassembly.com/), who is being backed by the teacher's union and other labor groups. Bing had authored a bill that [ends the "last hired, first fired" rule](http://nypress.com/2010/04/21/prepping-for-teacher-layoffs/) for teacher layoffs, which [angered United Federation of Teachers](http://nypress.com/2010/06/02/teacher-to-challenge-bing-in-primary/). Here are the endorsement statements: [Bing Endorsements](http://www.scribd.com/doc/35360474/Bing-Endorsements)