SHIRLEY, NY (02/12/2008)(readMedia)-- In a decisive display of party solidarity highlighting the future of the Republican Party on Long Island, former Army JAG captain, Iraq veteran and Shirley native Lee Zeldin emerged today as the unanimously-endorsed candidate for New York’s First Congressional District after a meeting of party leadership at Suffolk County GOP Headquarters in Bohemia.

“Today the Suffolk County Republican Executive Committee has endorsed Lee Zeldin for Congress in the First Congressional District unanimously. The leaders here this morning were impressed by his energy, by his knowledge of the issues, and they are fully confident we are going to get a change of leadership in the First Congressional District. Lee will bring to our district what we need, including tax breaks and a sane immigration policy. Lee Zeldin will make Long Island proud again,” said Suffolk County Republican Chairman Harry Withers.

The contrast between Lee Zeldin and his opponent, Congressman Tim Bishop, could not be any more apparent. “I could name more than 100 significant differences between my opponent and me,” said Zeldin, pledging to extend the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 in order to save Long Island’s middle class.

“I am pleased and honored to have the united support of the party this early in the campaign,” said Zeldin who vowed to be an independent voice for his district. “Long Island’s future begins now.”

“Unlike my opponent, I support an immediate moratorium on earmarks in order to cut wasteful spending. I will vote in favor of fully funding projects to seal our borders. I promise to penalize employers who hire illegal aliens and do not pay income taxes or worker’s compensation. I will not accept defeat at the hands of Al-Qaeda as a viable military option and I certainly will not try to fabricate setbacks as a tool to score political points.”

Zeldin previously served as an aide to State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle. The married Shirley resident is also the proud father of identical sixteen-month-old girls. He studied at the University at Albany, graduated from Albany Law School, and earned his commission through Army ROTC. He served as a paratrooper, prosecutor and magistrate with the 82nd Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps. He is currently an attorney at Raiser & Kenniff on Long Island.

What they’re saying: Statements from Suffolk County’s Republican Party Leadership regarding today’s endorsement of candidate Lee Zeldin for New York’s 1st C.D.

"Lee Zeldin will bring a new perspective to congress. A military veteran with a young family, he understands the concerns our residents have about both national security and border security. The current representative is lax in both areas. I am proud that he will be the Republican candidate."

-Smithtown Republican Chairman, Bill Ellis

“I’m excited. Lee has done a great job raising money so far. It proves the support is out there and I think a fresh new face certainly has a great shot of beating an old incumbent.”

-Southampton Republican Chairman, Marcus Stinchi

“Years ago, Congress was represented by a substantial number of veterans which is not the case anymore. I think it’s very important that we send some young veterans to Congress that know why this is a great nation. Lee Zeldin is one of them and I’m proud to support him.”

-Southold Republican Chairman, Bob Neville

“In Riverhead, moreover in Suffolk County we are very excited about Lee’s candidacy. He’s young, energetic and has a good grasp of the issues.”

-Acting Riverhead Chairman, George Harkin

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Posted Tuesday February 12, 2008 at 02:35 pm by Lee Zeldin for Congress