Denial Ain't Just a River in Egypt

MASTIC, NY (05/28/2008)(readMedia)-- On Thursday, at their annual conventions, both the Suffolk County Republicans and Democrats announced their slates for the fall, kicking off the 2008 campaign season.

Republican candidate Lee Zeldin wants to know why his opponent rejected his calls for a debate.

"Six years ago, Tim Bishop would jump at an opportunity to debate his opponent and discuss the issues. Congress certainly changes people—this isn't the same long-shot candidate we elected in 2002—he's now an entitled politician," said Zeldin. "If my opponent has stolen one thing from the Clinton playbook, it's to say as little as possible, avoid controversy at all cost, and when opportune, pass the buck. Not this time, Mr. Bishop; even your own party recognizes that this clearly doesn't play in today's new era of politics."

Bishop is on the record as saying he's uninterested in addressing the issues in a debate. However, citing the following examples, Zeldin said the issues can't afford to take a summer vacation and his opponent's concept of governance.

• Tim Bishop voted for getting rid of the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003
• Voted to publicly disapprove of the troop "surge" just as those soldiers were heading into battle
• Voted against permanently repealing the death tax
• Voted against ammunition, supplies and equipment for troops currently deployed in combat•Voted against full funding for construction of the border fence
• Changed tunes on earmarks, now favors earmarks rather than much needed eform
• Won't advocate for a county, state, federal gas tax moratorium which would save his constituents over $.60/gallon
• Opposes responsible exploration of American oil resources, which would reduce our reliance on foreign oil
• Voted To Cut Medicare for Seniors
• Voted to allow funds to be taken away from housing programs that assist homeless and disabled veterans and elderly Americans

This is part of the problem of why Congress' approval ratings are at all-time lows. These are stances Zeldin pledges never to take.

"Eastern Long Islanders expect boldness and courage from our Congressman, not complacency and ineffectiveness," said Zeldin. "My opponent can't say no to Nancy Pelosi on anything, while I've already begun to cultivate a record of standing up to my party and criticizing our misgivings when appropriate."

Bishop has voted with the liberal agenda of his party 98.8 percent of the time, which only one other Congressional Representative has blindly followed party leadership more blindly.

Zeldin reiterated his sentiment that he's prepared to debate Bishop anytime, anywhere.

"I hope our local press and citizens agree that voters deserve some more accountability of his voting record," said Zeldin. "Otherwise, I'll be sure to see you next week in these pages with 10 more of his radically out of touch votes."

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Zeldin served as an aide to State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle. The Shirley resident studied at the University at Albany, graduated from Albany Law School, and earned his commission through Army ROTC. He was a paratrooper, prosecutor and magistrate with the 82nd Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps. In the summer of 2006, he was a JAG attorney deployed to Iraq. He is currently an attorney at Raiser & Kenniff on Long Island.

For more information on Lee’s campaign please visit us at www.zeldin08.com

Paid for by Lee Zeldin for Congress