Statement by Congressional Candidate Lee Zeldin

MASTIC, NY (06/20/2008)(readMedia)-- Tonight, my opponent made the most hypocritical, un-American vote of his tenure in Congress. He claims to be someone who salutes, honors and thanks the troops, but not tonight. Tonight, our troops who voluntarily raised their hand and swore to serve are deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Tonight, Congressman Bishop just voted to cut off the ammo for their rifles necessary to navigate the uncertainties of wartime service.

I can only imagine the ill will to be felt by our warriors on the front lines of democracy, who contend with triple-digit heat each day, while an out-of-touch Congressman continues to relax in the Hamptons during the summer, and vote down necessary supplies without hesitation.

Adding insult to injury, my opponent demonstrated the height of hypocrisy and turned his back on the troops who desperately need an updated GI bill. My opponent had the nerve not only to cosponsor the legislation he voted against, but also wrote a lengthy op-ed in Newsday about how great the idea was.

Tonight, Congressman Bishop emboldened our enemies while failing to fight for our uniformed heroes. Its insults like these that led me to seek this office because as Congressman, I'll make sure to rectify these egregious shortcomings immediately.

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Paid for by Lee Zeldin for Congress