Zeldin Challenges Opponent to Back PAC Caps

SHIRLEY, NY (02/01/2008)(readMedia)-- Lee Zeldin, candidate for the First Congressional District of New York, former Army JAG officer, and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran today challenged his opponent to accept a cap on Political Action Committee (PAC) donations and spending in the November 2008 Congressional election.

"Since our Congressman has held office, he has accepted nearly $2 million in outside PAC donations," said Zeldin. Bishop has already reported exceeding $200,000 in PAC donations from outside interest groups for the upcoming election cycle and more than 60% of Bishop's fundraising receipts in the last quarter of 2007 were from special interest groups.

"Although relatively new to Congressional politics and federal service, my opponent has proven an old hand in the ways and means of Beltway economics as individuals no longer drive his reelection efforts," said Zeldin. "Long Island loses when it becomes more about special interest influence. I want to return our government to the hard working men and women of this Congressional district currently alienated by our representatives in Washington."

With this in mind, Zeldin issued the incumbent Congressman a challenge. "I call upon my opponent to join me in agreeing to a cap on outside PAC donations, limited to 20% for this election cycle," said Zeldin. "The amount of PAC donations that my opponent takes reflects an inability to stand up on his own for our independent community and deliver to his constituency."

Zeldin, who reported receipts in excess of $100,000 in just his first quarter of campaigning, explained the rational driving the challenge. "I have firsthand experience managing the costs associated with running a campaign," said Zeldin. "Given the current failings of our Congress-which are almost invariably tied to special interests-accepting and spending large amounts of PAC donations is not the representation Eastern Long Island deserves, not now, not ever."

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 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.

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