Is Virginia Joe still relevant?

From The Politicker:

As the City Council’s growing Progressive Caucus sways the council speaker’s race, insiders are questioning whether their sizable bloc of Queens members will remain loyal to the caucus–or be picked off by their county leaders.

Members of the caucus have pledged to remain unified as they try to crown the city’s second-most powerful leader, even though they have yet to decide which candidate to support. But some wonder whether Queens Democrats–whose bloc vote has made them the most influential force in past speaker’s races–may stand in the way.

The caucus, which is expected to number roughly 20 next year, currently includes at least six members who hail from Queens, including the newly-elected Daneek Miller and Costa Constantinides. (Other county Democratic organizations, notably Brooklyn and the Bronx, also control a significant bloc of votes.)

Interviews with a wide range of Queens sources yielded varied opinions. But overall, political observers and even caucus members aren’t certain that Queens can be bucked completely. “If I had to guess right now, I think the Queens elected officials will most likely line up with county in the end,” said term-limited Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., who hails from the borough.

For some, the benefits of the party’s backing seem too enticing for members to refuse.

“Is anybody going do more for Queens members than Crowley will?” asked another Queens Democrat, alluding to the choice committee chairmanships and election ground troops the county organization has bestowed upon members in the past. “What will the Progressive Caucus do for Queens members, for their ambitions, locally and in the future?”

Mr. Miller, who defeated a county-backed candidate to win his seat, nonethless reaffirmed his pledge of loyalty to the caucus. “The caucus has agreed to vote as a bloc,” he told Politicker, adding: “I think that people are firm in their commitment to a progressive New York City and the bottom line is I expect they will live up to their commitment.”

Mr. Constantinides, who did not return a request for comment, pledged to support the caucus upon his election but remains a close ally of Mr. Crowley. The other four Queens members of the caucus–Donovan Richards, Danny Dromm, Jimmy Van Bramer (who has floated his name for speaker) and Julissa Ferreras–offered few hints on their plans today.