Discord in Police Union Could Topple Lynch

The head of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, Patrick Lynch, has been waging a public battle against Mayor Bill de Blasio, but another battle may be brewing within the union. The Daily News reports a group within the union plans to unveil an slate of candidates to challenge Lynch's reelection in June. The newspaper also reported that a disagreement among members of the union got physical with many denouncing Lynch and his feud with the mayor.

"Clearly there's been discord building in the union," said Daily News columnist Juan Gonzalez, pointing out that reportedly only four percent of the union's rank and file members have signed a union letter asking the mayor and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito not to attend their funerals in case they're killed on the job.

Gonzalez also said union members, who are more diverse than the group that first elected Lynch in 1999, are angry with the president because they believe police reform is necessary. The fact that the PBA has gone five years without a contract is also a point of contention.

"A lot remains to be seen, but one thing seems to be pretty evident: This is going to be the first challenge he's had in more than 10 years," Gonzalez said.