Zeldin Refuses to Meet With AFL-CIO over Immigration, Iraq Stances

MASTIC, NY (07/07/2008)(readMedia)-- The Republican candidate for New York's First Congressional District today further asserted himself as the anti-establishment candidate, announcing that he would not attend the candidate screening held today by the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO under protest, sticking up for union membership who disagree with the ultra-liberal views of union bosses.

"Our nation can be incredibly proud of the important role played by organized labor, specifically over the last century," said Lee Zeldin, the GOP candidate for the Eastern Long Island district and champion of the First C.D.'s blue-collar ethos. "I will always work hard to honor and support our working families because I respect them and I respect this proud part of America's history. I will also always make time to meet with labor members, listening to their concerns and sharing my objectives."

While fully committed to meeting with union membership under no preconditions, Zeldin will not meet with union bosses until they start better representing those members.

Unlike his opponent and the LIFL, Zeldin does not support amnesty for those who break the law, like those who enter our country illegally. Additionally, Zeldin condemns his opponent's support of hiring halls for illegals.

Zeldin also called on LIFL leadership to publicly support state, local and federal initiatives that penalize those business owners who hire illegals, don't pay taxes and worker's compensation and cheat honest businessmen.

Zeldin's third stipulation called for LIFL to "stay in its lane," continuing to focus on labor issues and cease calls for a hasty, irresponsible withdrawal from Iraq, because that isn't their business. "LIFL isn't in any position to dictate foreign policy, especially in a manner that many of their members recognize as flawed," said Zeldin.

"I know that the hardworking folks who comprise union membership take the issues of national security and illegal immigration much more seriously then the liberals running their show," said Zeldin. "Labor leadership must never lose sight of the fact that they exist to promote the rights of their membership and not serve as a clarion for an ultra-liberal agenda."

-30-

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

Paid for by Lee Zeldin for Congress