MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP) – Mel Brooks is offering a ringing endorsement for his great-nephew, who’s running for a seat in New York’s state Senate. The entertainer tells voters in an automated telephone call: “Yes, it really is Mel Brooks.” The call urges voters to support Democrat Todd Kaminsky in next Tuesday’s special election for the Long Island seat. Brooks made a similar endorsement two years ago when Kaminsky won a seat in the state Assembly. In the call, Brooks mostly avoids making gags and instead reminds voters to vote. He urges them to write down the election date: April 19. Advises the comedian: “You’re liable to forget.” Kaminsky is running against Republican attorney Chris McGrath. The seat became open after Republican Dean Skelos was convicted of corruption charges and ousted from the Senate.
