Baldwin
NEW YORK CITY (Legal Newsline) - Democrat Eric Schneiderman has picked up an endorsement from a bona fide Hollywood star.
Schneiderman, who is running for New York attorney general, got the approval of actor and activist Alec Baldwin, according to New York Daily News blog The Daily Politics on Wednesday.
Schneiderman's campaign said of Baldwin, "In addition to his prolific career in film, television and on stage, (Baldwin is) actively involved in environmental advocacy, animal rights, gun control issues and support for campaign finance reform."
His campaign said the actor cited Schneiderman's "independence and dedication to these issues in making his endorsement."
In a released statement, Baldwin said, "New York State is facing big problems and we need big progressive solutions. We need an independent, gutsy attorney general -- that's why I'm proud to endorse lifelong progressive Eric Schneiderman.
He continues, "Eric's always been on the right side of the issues, from protecting the environment to fighting for marriage equality and reproductive freedom, and I know he has the character and the tenacity to stand up and deliver the real change our state needs."
Schneiderman, in a statement, responded, "Alec is not only a brilliant actor, he's a dedicated progressive, and when I'm attorney general I look forward to working with him on the issues we both care deeply about."
The Democratic candidate was elected to the New York Senate in 1998. According to his campaign Web site, his efforts were critical in passing the Clinic Access Bill, Hate Crimes legislation, the Women's Health and Wellness Act, legislation to increase minimum wage and a host of anti-illegal gun, environmental and civil rights laws.
Baldwin is most recently known for his role on the hit television comedy "30 Rock."
Baldwin also portrayed former Mississippi judge Bobby DeLaughter in 1996's Ghosts of Mississippi. DeLaughter is serving an 18-month prison sentence for his role in a judicial bribery scheme involving disgraced plaintiffs attorney Richard "Dickie" Scruggs.