Zeldin Commends Rep. McCarthy’s Will to Drill

MASTIC, NY (06/23/2008)(readMedia)-- Motivated by a campaign-long call for action regarding the challenges posed by energy modernization, the Republican candidate for New York's First Congressional District today commended Untied States Rep. Carolyn McCarthy for her vote last week in favor of domestic oil production, and called upon his opponent, Rep. Tim Bishop, to learn from this example of independence.

Taking it one step further, Shirley resident Lee Zeldin, the GOP's independent-minded candidate for the Eastern Long Island district, has long supported a proactive approach by all levels of government to alleviate the across-the-board burden caused by skyrocketing fuel prices and called on both his opponent, New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele and other area liberals to reverse their support for a windfall profits tax.

"Even though it is upsetting that big oil is raking in record profits at our expense, it would be foolish to punish ourselves even more by imposing a windfall profits tax. Big Oil doesn't pay taxes," Zeldin noted. "They just pass it on to the consumer and the answer to high gas prices isn't a tax increase. It appears the ‘New Direction Congress' and some of our local politicians need a map and a compass."

Too reduce fuel prices in the near term, Zeldin called for responsible domestic oil production; an immediate investigation into suspected market manipulation; and a federal, state and county fuel tax moratorium.

"I want to commend Congresswoman McCarthy for showing the ability to think independently about our nation's needs, and support initiatives regarding offshore oil exploration," said Zeldin. "I only wish my opponent could similarly distance himself from the party line-and his summer vacation from the important issues-long enough to see the big picture. We must reduce our reliance on foreign oil as soon as possible. Responsible domestic oil production and a transition to alternative energy are key."

In recent weeks, the Zeldin campaign has focused on what they describe as two key shortcomings of their opponent: a lack of independence, and an unwillingness to engage issues. According to Washingtonpost.com, Tim Bishop is one of the least independent members of Congress, voting with his party virtually 100 percent of the time. Despite repeated calls for debates, the Bishop campaign has been unresponsive to the challenge, trying to turn his summer into an episode of Seinfeld.

"Voters deserve to know that there is a big difference between LI Bishop and D.C. Bishop," Zeldin added, referring to the difference between Bishop's moderate rhetoric and ultra-liberal voting record. "As I've said, I'm going to bring our Long Island values to DC, not like my opponent, who inexcusably brings DC's values back home to the Island."

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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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