Zeldin to Bishop: Go See Iraqi Progress

MASTIC, NY (06/02/2008)(readMedia)-- The Republican candidate for New York's First Congressional District today urged his opponent to follow his suggestion and the lead of most of Congress who have regularly visited Iraq since the war began.

"My opponent's been in office since a few months before the beginning of combat operations in Iraq," said Army veteran and Shirley resident Lee Zeldin, who deployed in the Summer of 2006 with the All Americans of the famed 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. "And while he's quick to speak on the subject, my opponent's yet to gain that eye-opening, first-hand experience that so many of his colleagues have found valuable."

A Google search of "Rep. Tim Bishop + Iraq" reveals more than 1,000 items, including video clips of the Congressman's statements from the House. No results show for "Rep. Tim Bishop visited Iraq".

"He's never ventured overseas to show our troops-many of whom he represents-that he's sincerely interested in their living conditions and daily challenges," said Zeldin. "During wartime, this is sine qua non for a member of Congress."

Zeldin promised to maintain a clock on his Web site highlighting the length of time young volunteers from around the country-including the 1st C.D.-have been overseas without a visit from Congressman Tim Bishop. As of today, the tally stands at five years, two months and 14 days. The count is 1902 days and counting.

"I'm bothered by the fact that my opponent publicly laments the length of this conflict, yet has never found the time nor made the effort to increase his knowledge base by putting his boots on the ground," said Zeldin. "Members from both sides of the aisle may disagree on the direction of the conflict, but they've often put that aside and hopped on a C-130 to look our troops in the eyes and ask how they're doing. And from personal experience, I know that this means something to them."

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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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