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

MASTIC, NY (06/06/2008)(readMedia)-- To the Editor:

Throughout this campaign, it has been highlighted that our Congressman is the textbook definition of a follower at a time when we're in dire need of leaders. Upon further review, I've found that my opponent actually does lead in two dubious areas.

For starters, my opponent leads at following. By blindly following his party's mandate with stunning commitment-only one other Congressional Representative votes along party lines more than my opponent.

Sadly, my opponent also leads Congress in avoided trips to meet with our frontline troops currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. For more than five years-his entire tenure in office, my opponent has consistently refused to lead by example and visit deployed servicemembers while most of his colleagues continuously travel to the combat zone.

He casts votes and makes statements against the situation without ever making an effort to gain firsthand experience of this war. While so many of his Congressional colleagues have made the trip repeatedly, our Congressman appears content staying within the cozy confines of Southampton.

During my years with the Army and especially during my time in Iraq in the summer of 2006, I have gained valuable insight into the needs of a deployed warfighter. I saw the challenges we face on a daily basis and understand the necessity to defeat radical Islamic terrorism. I will speak with important insight on what is the defining geopolitical challenge of our time.

Any self-respecting Congressional Representative owes it to their constituents and their troops to put their boots on the ground and gain this valuable experience.

So again, I call upon my opponent, Mr. Bishop-visit our troops.

Lee M. Zeldin

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

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