Zeldin Blasts Bishop for Turning Back on Troops, Iraq, Afghanistan

MASTIC, NY (06/25/2008)(readMedia)-- The Republican candidate for New York's First Congressional District, Army veteran Lee Zeldin, demanded Congressional leadership support troops in harm's way and prevent the spillover of ideological debate from the floor of the House chamber to the battlefield.

Zeldin, who served with the 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq during the summer of 2006, blasted a recent vote made by his opponent, Congressman Tim Bishop, to cut off funding for ammunition, supplies and equipment necessary for troop survival in combat. Last Thursday, the latest war-spending bill passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 268-155. This legislation provided nearly $162 billion in long-overdue funds to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan into 2009.

Incredibly, Congressman Bishop voted against the bill.

"Whether or not we should have been in Iraq in the first place, the fact is that we are there now. We have troops in harm's way, the surge is working and they need our support," said Zeldin. "We cannot politicize the safety and wellbeing of our brave volunteers and cutting off critical supplies at this time is un-American."

Zeldin cited his personal experience as a soldier when describing the demoralizing effect a vote like Bishop's has on our Armed Forces.

"I can only imagine the ill will 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," said Zeldin.

Throughout the campaign, Zeldin has promised to support the troops in the field and after they return.

"Congressman Bishop emboldened our enemies while failing to fight for our uniformed heroes," said Zeldin. "Insults like these led me to seek this office; as Congressman, I'll make sure to swiftly rectify these egregious shortcomings."

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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

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