Letter to the Editor from U.S. Congressional Candidate Lee Zeldin

MASTIC, NY (05/09/2008)(readMedia)-- To the Editor:

Long Islanders have long known that we're unique. As New Yorkers, we recognize the need to stay on top of our game each day in this environment. Naturally, we are strong-willed and blessed with independent spirits.

And this makes us great.

We often carry that independent spirit into the voting booth with us on Election Day. When choosing our candidates, we often select the most qualified candidate regardless of party affiliation. Time and again, Republicans vote for Democrats and Democrats vote for Republicans. We vote for the best candidate, I vote for the best candidate.

I regret to report that our elected representative to Congress fails to properly embrace this independent spirit. According to a Washington Post database of the combined 535 members of the Senate and House of Representatives, my opponent ranks as the second least independent. He votes with his party's liberal agenda 98.8% of the time.

Where my opponent fails to lead in so many areas, I find it telling that the one area he rises to the forefront ironically highlights his excellence in following. True to our independent reputation, it goes without saying that no one political ideology can possibly address the diverse array of issues affecting the First Congressional District of New York.

In these trying times, we cannot afford to elect a lapdog for a misguided party agenda. From day one, I've asserted my position as an independent bulldog that recognizes the one-of-a-kind challenges we face in the First Congressional District. When my party is wrong, rest assured I'll call it like it is.

This week, I began my summer surge, starting our campaign's Tour of Duty. In the coming weeks, I will be taking an aggressive approach to meet as many folks as possible and show them that I'm beholden only to my principles and the interests of the hardworking men and women of the First Congressional District. Together, we'll make important strides without pretense, and ensure that Long Island's bright future begins now.

Sincerely,

Lee Zeldin

Candidate for Congress

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.

-30-

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

Paid for by Lee Zeldin for Congress