Many New Yorkers like to complain about their elected officials. In the Bronx, the most Democratic county in the nation, the power of incumbency is stronger than ever - shutting out young party activists trying to climb the political ladder. Borough Reporter Erin Clarke has the story.

He's just 31 years old but Michael Beltzer has a long political resume.

He's a member of the Bronx Young Democrats, his local community board, and he's a community advocate for affordable housing.

Beltzer thought it would give him a shot at defeating State Senator Ruben Diaz in last month's Democratic Primary for city council.

"I'm someone who served the community on a volunteer basis," Beltzer said.

However, 74-year-old Diaz had the backing of the Bronx Democratic Party.

Despite conservative views that have raised eyebrows among some Democrats, he easily won the primary.

Former Assemblyman Micahel Benjamin said when turnout is low, as it usually is in the Bronx, familiar names often win.

"I tell all candidates when you're running for office against an incumbent you have to bring in 2,000 new voters who will vote for you," said Michael Benjamin, former assemblyman.

Beltzer said it's more than that, arguing the Bronx Democratic Machine's support of established pols stifles young talent.

"There's little room for people to support independent candidates, candidates that aren't chosen by the party because there can be retribution," Beltzer said.

In primary races for City Council across the borough the result was the same.

The old guard beat back nearly every challenge, leaving promising young Democrats in the dust.

In the East Bronx, for example, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj beat five newcomers, including thritysomethings John Doyle and Marjorie Velazquez.

The case of Beltzer is particularly telling.

Diaz served on the Council, then in the state Senate and now is heading back to the Council.

The county Democratic leader said rising stars have a chance.

"This idea that we dictate what happens is just not true and you'll see that in the results," said Marcos Crespo, assemblyman and Bronx Democratic County Committee chairman.

He pointed to Dayana Ayala beating the party's backed candidate for the seat held by Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito.

But, Ayala had the backing of both Viverito and the Bronx Borough president.

Still, the county leader dismissed what he calls a "cartoonish" view of the machine.

His advice for frustrated candidates: keep trying.