What started out as a celebration of Pakistani independence quickly turned into a platform for the candidates vying for the 13th congressional seat.
Four candidates running for the job showed up at the 8th annual Pakistani celebration at Snug Harbor Sunday.
"This island is getting more diverse," said Dr. Mohammed Khalid, president of the Pakistani Civic Association. "There are more people moving in and more Pakistani Americans. Eight years ago there was less. Now they are in the thousands."
Democratic Candidate Steve Harrison says he stands for what these set of voters believe.
"We are out here right now talking to everybody about what we feel has to be done in order to make sure this nation is on the right path," said Harrison.
Pakistani community members say they welcome the recognition of the importance of their votes.
But the race we're here to look at today is the only in NY-13, the Staten Island/Brooklyn district being abandoned by the recently infamous Vito Fossella. A few days ago I heard from reliable sources that the grassroots candidate, Steve Harrison, was dropping out and that the DCCC had endorsed Michael McMahon. I had been following the race from afar and I smelled a rat immediately. The DCCC often will tell donors and Democratic interest groups and the media that there is no primary when they want to rally everyone around their own anointee. It just took me a few phone calls to find out that my instincts were correct and that, again, the spirit of Rahm was alive and kicking. Harrison hadn't only not quit the race, he had challenged McMahon to 5 debates. The part about the DCCC endorsing him, though... that was true.
(Staten Island/Brooklyn) Democratic Congressional candidate Steve Harrison (NY13th CD Staten Island, Southwest Brooklyn), who in 2006 received a higher percentage of the vote than any Democrat ever under the district’s current configuration, is challenging September 9th primary opponent Councilman Michael McMahon to five debates, 3 in Staten Island and two in Brooklyn. The primary winner faces the eventual Republican nominee in November to replace incumbent Vito Fossella, who is not seeking re-election because of his recent scandals.
Harrison wants to begin debating his opponent as soon as possible.
"I'm ready to go today" said Harrison, "Mike told the Staten Advance that he wants to discuss the issues. So let's discuss. I've been discussing Congressional issues for over two years. have a website, campaign team and money in the bank. It will be interesting to hear what Mike says about National issues and why he voted for congestion pricing and the largest property tax hike in history and why, as a Democrat, he's vying for the Conservative party endorsement."
It's widely believed Harrison soundly defeated Fossella, who ran on the Republican and Conservative lines, in all five times they debated in 2006.
The scandal-plagued, 5 term Republican Congressman from NY's 13th congressional district decides he will not be running for re-election. Clip is from NY Nightly News Channel 4 coverage. Democratic opponent Steve Harrison is interviewed.
Channel 7 mentioned Harrison in their coverage tonight but said that Democratic party insiders will probably try to push him to the side. They interviewed Democratic NYC Council member Mike McMahon who said he would like to throw his name in the ring.
After more than two weeks of damaging and scandal-filled headlines, Representative Vito J. Fossella of Staten Island has decided not to seek another term in Congress, according to several people close to him.
Mr. Fossella, 43, has been the object of intense scrutiny since he was arrested in a Washington suburb on May 1 and charged with drunken driving. At the time of his arrest, his blood alcohol level was reportedly 0.17 percent, twice the legal limit in Virginia. Under that state’s law, he faces a mandatory five days in jail if convicted.
A week after his arrest, Mr. Fossella, the only Republican representing New York City in Congress, disclosed that he had been on the way to visit Laura Fay, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. He acknowledged that he and Ms. Fay had had an affair and that they were the parents of a 3-year-old daughter.
Mr. Fossella is expected to issue a statement on Tuesday, according to officials close to him. It states:
“Despite the personal mistakes I have made, I am touched by the outpouring of support and encouragement I have received from so many people. Their kind words and prayers during this difficult time mean more to me than I can express. And while many have urged me to run for re-election, I believe this course of action is best for my family and our community.”
Until Monday, Mr. Fossella offered signals that he intended to seek a sixth full term in November. After two weeks of near-seclusion, he re-emerged into the Staten Island political scene, attending a Conservative Party dinner and a parade.
Here's a statement from Steve Harrison is campaigning for the Democratic nomination: "I'm relieved Vito Fossella finally made a decision. I believe he made the obvious one. I hope he and his family find peace in the near future and I ask Mr. Fossella to represent us well during the remainder of his term.
I now turn my attention back to the issues facing the people of the district and America, like Iraq, health care, energy, the environment and, of course the economy. Many in the district have suffered foreclosures and lost jobs. I look forward to debating these issues with the Republican candidate, no matter who that may be. I have not been running against Vito Fossella. I have been running for Congress and I will continue to do so."
Soon after the 2004 election, after spending so much time, energy and money supporting John Kerry's failed bid, I remember being outraged by some remarks made by the the founder and CEO of the DLC, Al From. From, who is infamous for his centrist and hawkish policies, said in March 2005, “You’ve got to reject Michael Moore and the MoveOn crowd.” From added “rank-and-file Democrats ‘are more like us than MoveOn,’ which [Al] From called a group of ‘elites, people who sit in their basements all the time and play on their computers.’” (NBC’s “First Read,” 3/1/05)
I myself was a MoveOn member, and I guess I still am, although I haven't participated in any of their events in quite a while. So at the time, I took great offense to these remarks, and it seemed he was suggesting that the party needed to move toward the right if it ever wanted to win an election again.
I can't help but think that From's remarks have come to mind several times during the current Democratic campaign. Now I'm not saying that From was correct, but the vigorous support and vitriol shown by Obama supporters and the media which seems to now be overtly gushing over the junior senator from IL, have made things a little clearer. It's quite obvious that there is a rift in the party.
Obama supporters on blogs like Daily Kos, 527's like MoveOn and his supporters throughout the media would have you believe that Clinton supporters are all dumb, white racists and/or feminists. The many Clinton supporters I've met while campaigning are far from being dumb or racist. In fact, many of her supporters admire the work she's done over the years on civil and human rights and her collaborations with African-American and Latino leaders. Many of her supporters didn't even start out this campaign against Obama. They just felt he wasn't ready for the job and that Clinton was ready and much more experienced. After all, if Obama does become president, America will have chosen somebody who's last complete term was as a state senator.
Some of Hillary's supporters didn't start out supporting her. As their preferred candidates finally left the race, they were faced with a decision. I for one started out as an Edwards supporter. One thing that stuck in my mind from the beginning was how Hillary performed during the debates. She just seemed so much more experienced, so much more in control and her answers were always very detailed. It also became very obvious that the media was in Obama's corner. When the piling on started with pundits like Keith Olbermann making it a mission to bring Hillary down, then seeing the ugly diaries and comments at sites that claim to be for all Dems, and when Edwards finally decided to leave the race, the choice became clear for me.
Clinton supporters are passionate for sure. As they began to express their support online, in forums and blogs, they were met with a ferocious wave of disdain from fellow Democrats. The Obama supporters were so furious that many Clinton supporters found it necessary to seek out other places they would be welcome.
So if there is a Clinton wing of the party, I would say they range from being liberal to more moderate, just left-of-center Dems. Clinton liberals can be those with traditional progressive values who feel she is the best person to champion causes like universal health care, the rights of labor, immigrants, gays and despite her 2002 vote, they feel she is the best person to get us out of the war in Iraq. Clinton moderates feel she would be the strongest leader and be the best person on issues like national defense, the fight on terrorism and the security of the nation.
On the other hand, although I don't agree with From's past statements, there is an element in the party that sees itself as entitled. They are ultra-partisan and don't feel the party should be tolerant of any part of the country that is even a fraction to the right of them. They realize that there will be more conservative Dems, in areas where there are a majority of Republicans and will even campaign for them, but they won't let them into their conversations or clubs; they won't let them speak for the party. If they had their way there would only be one party and everybody would be as vile, snarky and liberal as they are. Sounds like a mirror-image of right-wing republicans.
So here lies the danger. If Obama wins, this wing of the party will surely dominate. How will Obama unite the country as he says he can, when his supporters are unwilling to compromise and are not even tolerant of the more moderate views within their own party? And before you reply with comments about how divisive Hillary is and polls showing her supporters are unwilling to support Obama if he's the nominee, remember that she didn't start the attacks. She was very civil and withstood constant attacks from the other candidates early in the race. In fact, I remember one line vividly from the Las Vegas debate: “They're not attacking me because I'm a woman,” she said. “They're attacking me because I'm ahead.” This is from Politico's coverage (which hasn't always been friendly to Sen. Clinton) of that debate:
LAS VEGAS – New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton responded to weeks of increasing criticism from her rivals at a debate here Thursday night with a rhetorical show of force of her own.
She accused former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards of “throwing mud” and said Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is being too modest in his plans for health care and too aggressive in aiming to raise Social Security taxes.
Clinton was cheered — and her rivals' criticisms were, at times, booed — by an unusually raucous crowd made up of students, labor union members and Democratic activists at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Clinton supporters have to stay relevant. We have to show the blogs and the pundits that we do count and that bias and sexism will never be tolerated. The most obvious way to do this would be to not support Obama. Without us, he may never get his hands on the prize. However, to be able to make this statement, is it really worth the alternative outcome? I'm not sure that McCain doesn't keep us in the war and maybe start a new one. Universal health care will be out the window. So how will I vote if Obama is the nominee? I'm still not sure. For me, the choice will not be as relevant as I will be voting in NJ this year. I can't see either Dem losing here. But for many of you, a tough decision is pending. I also know for others I've spoken to, the decision will be very easy because you've already decided that there is no way you will vote for Obama, and as long as it's not based of race, I respect that decision.
There is another way we can show our unity and strength. We should start looking toward local races where we can make a difference. We should seek out candidates that share Sen. Clinton's values and show our support. For me, one candidate in particular comes to mind. His name is Steve Harrison from New York's 13th congressional district. I'm sure many of you have heard of the recent troubles of the incumbent Republican Vito Fossella, NYC's only Republican Congressperson.
This seat is clearly up for grabs. My good friend Steve Harrison ran against Fossella in 2006 and received an unprecedented 43% even though he was heavily under-funded and outspent 13:1. Despite promises from the DCCC that they would step in, they never did. This year could be different. He has already received endorsements from DFNYC, the NY Times, Progressive Democrats of America and National Peace Action. "We found that Mr. Harrison would bring to Congress an intelligent and educated approach to the real security of this country based on international cooperation, respect for human rights, and diplomacy," said Peace Action NY State Chair, Sally Jones. "Among the positions taken by Mr. Harrison that garnered him the support of Peace Action is his opposition to the Bush war policy that is destroying the American economy and driving down living standards."
Harrison wants the country to approach our energy problems with the same vigor and national resolve as we did putting a man on the moon. He feels that in a decade we should be free from foreign and domestic fossil fuel dependance.
Steve is also for single-payer universal medical coverage for all Americans. He opposes the war in Iraq and calls for the immediate withdrawal of forces, consistent with our troops' safety. As of the 2006 election, Fossella had voted with Bush administration policies an incredible 91% of the time.
Hillary played a big part in Steve's campaign in 2006, including robocalls from her and Bill. However, the help came too late in the race. With more name recognition this year and more support from people like us, we can get Steve to DC.
I know everybody is tapped out from helping Hillary, but a nominee will be chosen soon. Whether or not it's the person we want is a different matter. However, it would be great to show we can keep this coalition together and actually make a difference. We can send a strong message to the media by supporting candidates that share Hillary's vision and values. This will also help put her in a much stronger position if she decides to run again in four years. Think how many more superdelegates she can win if we are the ones to help put them in that position (unless they become like Bill "Judas" Richardson, kidding).
So whether you can spare $5 now or later on after the convention, I urge you to my ActBlue page and show a little love.
If you can't give anything right now, I would love for you to go to Steve's site at SteveHarrisonforcongress.com and let him know that Marc from Blue Spot sent you and that Hillary supporters have his back.
While Republican incumbent, Rep. Vito Fossella is contemplating his political future due to a recent scandal, Democrat Steve Harrison is fighting for the chance to serve NY-13.
(Staten Island/Brooklyn) Vito Fossella’s Democratic opponent for the Staten Island/Southwest Brooklyn based NY 13th Congressional District seat, Steve Harrison, has received a flurry of endorsements recently including a 2800+ person strong independent New York City group that’s part of a national grassroots network founded by Howard Dean. Other recent Harrison endorsements include two African American political leaders, a union president and Staten Island and Brooklyn district leaders.
Democracy for New York City (DFNYC), which is part of a coalition of independent grassroots groups nationwide belonging to the Democracy for America” (DFA) network, has endorsed Harrison with an unprecedented 100 percent of the vote. DFA was founded by Democratic National Committee chair and former presidential candidate Howard Dean and is run by his brother Jim.
Organizer Tracy Denton says her organization will provide troops for Harrison.
"We are very excited to mobilize our volunteer base to help Steve Harrison, a solid Democrat who will not be afraid to stand up on the issues that matter."
She adds “As part of a national network of Democracy for America groups all across the country, we are seeing that voters want to return a Democratic majority to Congress, but not just any Democrats. They want to support Democratic candidates who will be strong enough to do what it takes to end this war in Iraq and bring our troops home. The future looks good for good Democrats like Steve Harrison."
Kelvin Alexander, co-founder of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement has endorsed Harrison because he will fight for those who can not fight for themselves.
“Steve has the energy, desire and passion to fight for those left out of by the system.”
Alexander founded 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement with Eric Adams, now a State Senator, in 1995. Kelvin is Adams’s chief of staff and is a former State Senate and Assembly candidate in Staten Island.
Harrison has recently received the endorsement of another Staten Island African American leader, Debi Rose, past president of the African American Political Association and an Obama delegate. Ms. Rose is a 2009 candidate to replace term limited City Councilman Mike McMahon. Rose came within 170 votes of defeating McMahon in the 2001 primary.
Other recent Harrison endorsements include John Strika, President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 806, Marc Zink, Staten Island’s 61st Assembly District Leader and Joanne Seminara, 60th Assembly District Leader (Brooklyn/Staten Island).
Harrison says he received these endorsements because of his issue stances.
“I am proud of these endorsements. These groups and individuals endorsed me because of my opposition to the war in Iraq and support for civil liberties protection, universal, single-payer healthcare, a solid energy policy, fair trade, repeal of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations and ethics reform, all of which are in line with the thinking of the majority of Americans.”
Other Harrison endorsements include: The Democratic Advancement Political Action Committee (DAPAC), the Progressive Democrats of America, the Staten Island Democratic Association, the Democratic Organization of Richmond County, the American Heritage Democratic Organization, legendary feminist Gloria Steinem, former judge and Assembly member Frank Barbaro and 60th AD District Leader Ralph Perfetto.
There may be more fallout from Congressman Vito Fossella's admission he fathered a daughter with a woman in Virginia.
The Daily News says congressional officials are looking into several of Fossella's overseas trips, including a January 2003 stay in France.
Though he was the only legislator authorized to go on the trip, billed as a "fact finding" mission to a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant, the Daily News says the woman he fathered a child with is suspected of joining him. In early 2003, Laura Fay was an Air Force legislative liaison officer who often traveled with congressional delegations.
NY1 has reached out to Fossella's office for comment on the allegations, but so far have not heard back.
Diana Williams discusses Vito Fossella's (NY-13) political future on Eyewitness News Close Up, with Tom Wrobleski of the Staten Island Advance. Oddly, neither of the Dems currently fighting for the Democratic nomination, Recchia or Harrison, were mentioned. Steve Harrison, who lives in the district (Recchia does not) lost to Fossella in 2006 by 14 points, but was extremely under-funded. This year Harrison has gained some key endorsements, including the DFNYC.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Vito Fossella of New York acknowledged on Thursday that he fathered a child from an extramarital affair, answering questions that arose from his arrest on drunken driving charges last week. "My personal failings and imperfections have caused enormous pain to the people I love and I am truly sorry," said Fossella, a Republican, who has three children with his wife in Staten Island, N.Y.
Fossella's private life came under scrutiny after he was arrested last week in the Virginia suburbs of Washington. Police said his blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit, and he could face a mandatory five days in jail if convicted.
When Fossella was pulled over, police said he told officers that he was going to see his daughter in the area. That prompted questions about who the daughter was.
"I have had a relationship with Laura Fay, with whom I have a 3-year-old daughter," Fossella said in his statement. It was Fay who got him out of jail after the arrest.
The disclosure clouds Fossella's political future. He faced a surprisingly tough re-election challenge in 2006, and Democrats were hoping to unseat him this year.
"While I understand that there will be many questions, including those about my political future, making any political decisions right now are furthest from my mind. Over the coming weeks and months, I will continue to do my job and I will work hard to heal the deep wounds I have caused," he said.
Fossella was elected to Congress in 1997 in a special election to replace Rep. Susan Molinari, who resigned. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he also earned a law degree from Fordham University.
Fossella, 43, serves as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
This is the first look at the mystery woman whom Rep. Vito Fossella (R-S.I.) called for help after he was charged with drunken driving in Virginia.
Laura Fay, wearing sunglasses and dressed in jogging clothes, refused to comment when she was approached over the weekend.
Fay is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and marathon runner. Public records show the divorcee owns a townhouse in Alexandria, Va. She also reportedly has a 3-year-old daughter.
Fossella aides continued to describe the two only as good friends. Fay picked up Fossella last Thursday morning, seven hours after he was arrested for running a red light 3 miles away from her townhouse.
In other developments:
*Watchdog groups questioned Fossella's use of campaign funds to pay a high-priced damage control expert.
*Fossella was one of only two members of Congress whose spouses were not on a list of attendees at a dinner party in Britain.
*Critics in his own party wondered whey he called Fay instead of his chief of staff, who also lives in Alexandria.
The Republican, facing reelection in November, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.17 - twice the legal limit, cops said, and hired damage consultant Susan Del Percio with money from his campaign war chest.
Rep. Fossella (R, NY-13) apologizes to his constituents of NY-13th CD for his DWI arrest in VA. Dem. Steve Harrison who ran against Fossella in 2006, and is now facing a challenge from Dem. Domenic Recchia, is featured in this clip as Fossella's main opponent. This could do wonders for Harrison's bid to take back the Democratic nomination.
Rep. Vito J. Fossella (R-N.Y.) was arrested overnight in Alexandria and charged with driving while intoxicated, court records showed today.
Fossella is scheduled to appear in Alexandria General District Court on May 12 for an advisement hearing, the records said.
No other details were immediately available.
Late this afternoon, Fossella released a statement, saying, "Last night I made an error in judgment. As a parent, I know that taking even one drink of alcohol before getting behind the wheel of a car is wrong. I apologize to my family and the constituents of the 13th Congressional District for embarrassing them, as well as myself."
Here is NYC's only Republican Congressman, using fearmongering tactics on his constituents during debates with Democrat Steve Harrison in October, 2006.
Here's Fossella's 2006 challenger, Democrat Steve Harrison on Hardball.
*UPDATE: Statement from Steve Harrison concerning Vito Fossella's DWI
Driving while intoxicated is a very serious charge. Over 17,000 people die every year as a result of such irresponsible and illegal action according to Mothers against Drunk Driving Only 2 days ago MADD held a luncheon at which I was represented. I stand shoulder to shoulder with MADD in its quest to rid our society of this scourge and I certainly hope that all candidates and elected officials from all parties and all places would do the same. As elected officials and potential elected officials we have an obligation to set an example for society. Lawmakers cannot expect the people to follow the laws if they themselves disregard them.
The campaign may only be a few hours old, but the gloves are already off.
Two years after Democrat Steve Harrison lost to Rep. Vito Fossella (R–Bay Ridge), the Bay Ridge lawyer is looking for another shot at the conservative law maker. He said this week that he would again be a candidate for the seat representing Bay Ridge and Staten Island.
He and Fossella have already begun to set the tone for the debate, and it looks like it is going to be war — literally.
Harrison plans on using the war in Iraq as his rallying cry to counter the hawkish Fossella.
“I am running because I believe we have to build a majority of Democrats in Congress to stop this ill-conceived war,” said Harrison. “I absolutely believe the war in Iraq was wrong, and I would prefer to not even use the term war on terror.”
Councilman Vince Gentile and Rep. Vito Fossella haven’t always seen things eye to eye — and now you can add their noses into the equation.
While Gentile (D-Bay Ridge) is still fuming about the city’s slow response to the stink at the Owls Head sewage treatment plant, Fossella (R-Bay Ridge) said the mayor and his Department of Environmental Protection have come out of the nasty fight smelling like roses.
“The DEP has been less than forthright about the status of the plant,” Gentile told the mayor in a Jan. 16 letter. “They have failed in their commitment to the Bay Ridge community.”
The Democratic Party — which failed to do even basic behind-the-scenes work for its candidate in 2006 — now says it will go after Rep. Vito Fossella (R–Bay Ridge) with a vengeance in 2008.
The powerful Democratic Congressional Committee — or the “D triple C,” as it’s known in politico parlance — announced via its blog that the city’s only Republican congressman has been targeted for elimination in the next election.
“We will aggressively work in districts targeting ethically challenged incumbents like … Vito Fossella,” read the announcement posted on the Stakeholder, the DCCC’s blog.
NY13FOSSELLA LOSES HIS MONEY BASE This should reduce Vito's campaign contributions for several hundred thousand. Click here: Dem takeover costs Vito committee postVito has gotten hundreds of thousands in campaign contributions just by being on the House Financial Services Committee and has flaunted his power because of it. For the 2006 Election he received $266,000 from them and still ended with $209,009 in debt. This is a boost to the DCCC and the 2008 candidate for this seat. posted by Rosalie907 at
Vito has gotten hundreds of thousands in campaign contributions just by being on the House Financial Services Committee and has flaunted his power because of it. For the 2006 Election he received $266,000 from them and still ended with $209,009 in debt. This is a boost to the DCCC and the 2008 candidate for this seat.
Despite the Republican Party's loss of the House of Representatives in this month's midterm elections, Rep. Vito Fossella is standing by his GOP leader.
Fossella (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) has told the Advance that he plans to vote for Rep. John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) to be House minority leader when Republicans meet to fill House leadership positions tomorrow.
I wrote the following post back in August and I think most of it still applies, except that I have to mention that there are much more active Dems and progressive groups in SI than I thought. They are over there fighting the good fight and I applaud there stamina and courage. Just to be clear, the folks I speak of below are what I consider to be Vito's core followers. These are the folks that I call Red-State New Yorkers.
How Does A Conservative Keep Winning in NYC? I don't mean a RINO like Bloomberg. I'm talking about a real rubberstamping, Bush kiss-ass conservative. His name is Vito Fossella and he's the Republican Congressman representing New York's 13th CD since 1997. And as much as Vito wants to run from his party, he can't hide the obvious: the man loves Bush.
From The Daily Gotham I'm sorry but a conservative? In one of the most liberal cities in the country? In a city where registered Dems outnumber Republicans over 5:1? You have to ask yourself, why? Well let's take a look at NY-13.
For those of you not familiar, NY-13 covers Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn such as Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Gravesend and Bensonhurst. Ah, Staten Island...If you're going to be a conservative in NYC, this is where you would most likely be happy. Now obviously, not everybody in the district will fit the same type, but generally speaking, you will find many folks who fit the right-wing authoritarian follower mold described in John Dean's book "Conservatives Without Conscience." Dean compiled data that provides some insight about the dispositions of these right-wing authoritarians. Many of them share the following traits:
* They travel in tight circles of like-minded people.
* Their thinking is more likely based on what authorities have told them rather than on their own critical judgment, which results in their beliefs being filled with inconsistencies.
* They harbor numerous double standards and hypocrisies.
* They are hostile to so many minorities they seem to be equal-opportunity bigots, yet they are generally unaware of their prejudices.
* They see the world as a dangerous place, with society teetering on the brink of self-destruction from evil and violence, and when their fear conflates with their self-righteousness, they appoint themselves guardians of public morality.
Some of the other traits that they may commonly share, according to Dean: they are submissive to authority, aggresive (on behalf of authority), conventional, prejudiced, mean-spirited, narrow-minded, intolerant, bullying, zealous, dogmatic, uncritical toward chosen authority, hypocritical, inconsistent, highly self-righteous, moralistic and prone to panic easily.
In this district you will find (and I have nothing against any of these occupations) many blue-collar, hardhat types such as construction & sanitation workers, police, firefighters and other first responders, many of which were at Ground Zero on 9-11. Also, union workers who no longer follow the traditional political paths of past generations. Instead they buy the way the Democratic Party has been framed by the GOP regarding moral issues and believe the distortions peddled through the right-wing noise machine.
If you could be a fly on their wall, you would see them tuned to the Fox News Channel cheering along another O'Reilly or Hannity rant. They maybe listening to Rush on the radio or maybe something non-political...like wrestling on the Spike Channel, NASCAR or 24 (although I confess I watch this too). They read the NY Post (religiously). Their idea of an idol is Tony Soprano. They hate the French. They defend Ann Coulter. Many of them have never been outside the Tri-state area except for maybe Florida. Some of them don't know a thing about politics or the details of current events, but they nevertheless wrap themselves in the flag and shout at the top of their lungs, all the jingoistic, vitriolic b.s. they may get from their buddies at work or clueless relatives. They are men's men, and so are the women. In fact, some of them swear they have balls.
My father lives in this district. He has always been kind of a right-center type. I remember when I was a kid, he supported Nixon. However, as he got older he began to lighten up on certain issues. He even voted for Clinton twice and for Gore in 2000. But a funny thing happened after 9-11. It was that speech...you remember. The one where Bush is standing on top of the rubble at Ground Zero with a bullhorn, alongside the NYFD Commissioner. It was right after this pep rally that my father turned to me and said, "now that's my president!"
Many New Yorkers see SI as a fort against the evil gays and liberals that inhabit the rest of the city. Of course, that isn't exactly true. Although, that $9 toll makes you wonder sometimes. It's funny how you have to pay so much to get to another part of your own district.
In 2004, during the height of the right-wing hysteria, a few months before the election, my uncle actually got into a fight in a diner with one of these rah-rah Republicans, because the guy didn't like that my uncle was criticizing the president. I mean, is this NYC or Texas?
So you would think that the Dems in the rest of the city would get together to kick Fossella out of office. After all, he's voted with Bush about 89% of the time (with Delay, 91%). He's been in the news recently for his questionable use of campaign funds. He's constantly siding with big business and has a cozy relationship with Halliburton. He co-sponsored HR 5252 (the COPE bill that threatens Net Neutrality). Fossella voted for the GOP energy bill that gave billions to oil, gas and nuclear industries. You can see more of his disastrous record here.
Yet, there's a Democratic candidate named Steve Harrison who has been endorsed by SEIU 1199, UFCW Local 1500, the United Federation of Teachers and the Working Families Party but still virtually ignored by NY's Democratic incumbents. I mean, I don't remember seeing any public photo ops with people like Schumer or Clinton. Where are the fundraisers? It's like everybody just forgot about this race. It can't be because they think Harrison is not progressive enough. He's against the war in Iraq. He would like to roll back the Bush tax cuts for the nation's wealthiest. He has vowed to work toward ending our dependence on fossil fuels if elected, within a decade. If they think he can't win, they are wrong. If he had their support, the numbers would change almost instantly. Take Hillary for instance, who is building a huge war chest for a race that is practically uncontested (thanks to the media). Any money she's collecting now would most likely be needed for her 2008 presidential bid. She can easily help Harrison's chances for regaining this seat and make a lot of friends in SI & Brooklyn at the same time.
If there's any criticism I have for Harrison is that I wish more attention would be put toward reaching out to the Netroots. There are several blogs covering the race including NY13,The Daily Gotham,Take Back NY and my own blog, Blue Spot. But there needs to be more effort to reach out to the national blogs. This is in part why I'm writing now. It's my hope that some of you fellow Kossacks can help out (you like the way I slipped this in-jk). Even just a little support would go a long way in convincing yet another aspiring polititian that the influence of the netroots can't be ignored. Even if you can't give financially, I urge you to take a minute and email the campaign and send him a note of encouragement. If you do, remember to mention that you're from Daily Kos.
After Vito finishes with the victory parties, he'll have to get back to work with the thought of having Nancy Pelosi as his new, soon to be Speaker of the House. He'll also have to start learning to work with his new Democratic colleagues like the new Reps. for NY's 19th, 20th and 24th congressional districts. Congratulations to John Hall, Kirsten Gillibrand and Michael Arcuri. Vito has said that he's used to working with the other side but that's always easy to say when you're in control and not willing to compromise with the minority party. Fossella can not take too much comfort in the fact that his "power ranking" will be dropping 196 points to a dismal 333. Hopefully, Vito will take some time to really consider that wonderful "endorsement" he received from the SI Advance, the one that says that he "exudes an air of entitlement." Hopefully he will remember that he represents the entire district and he is a public servant not the king of SI.
Well, Mr. Harrison does not go to Washington...yet. I think I speak for many Harrison supporters when I say that Mr. Harison can be proud of his campaign to become Rep. for NY's 13th congressional district. When you consider that he had no money and no support from the party as promised until it was way too late and still got a higher percentage (43%) than the previous Dem challenger, Frank Barbaro, it's easy to see that this race will be in play the next time around if the party big-wigs jump in early enough. Granted, we may not have an environment that is this favorable to Dems nationally but I don't think that would matter in SI if we have a candidate that can get his message out. It would have been incredible to beat an incumbent without airing one single commercial. Harrison couldn't even afford to buy the typical campaign items that are necessary for any campaign to help build name recognition; such as buttons bumper stickers, t-shirts, etc. A flyer passed out buy the NY State Dems listed every Dem in the city except for Harrison. You have to give Harrison much credit for having the courage to go it alone and take his "High Noon" campaign right to the incumbent. He never backed down and his small staff did a wondeful job. When you don't have the resources to counter negative ads and distortions from a rich incumbent, you will often see these results. So Mr. Harrison has earned the right to get a second chance at this if he is willing and hopefully next time he'll get the support he deserves.
NY-13 (Harrison-Fossella): There is a growing chorus of analysts now saying that Rep. Vito Fossella may not be as safe as once thought. First, Congressional Quarterly reported that “Fossella’s Seat Less Secure Than Expected.” Then the Brooklyn Papers reported “Tide Turns on Fossella.” Now, Errol Louis of the Daily News writes today that Democratic challenger Stephen Harrison has a shot to defeat Fossella whose A- NRA rating, poor voting record on labor issues, and habit of spending taxpayer money on luxury trips, on top of Harrison’s “devastatingly strong performances” at debates, have put the seat in play.
Severely under-funded, Mr. Harrison has run under the radar for months, but perhaps sensing momentum, leading Democrats have offered help in the final stretch of the race for the 13th district seat.
STATEN ISLAND/BROOKLYN, NY, November 4 – Former President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton, former Presidential candidate General Wesley Clark, Congressman Anthony Weiner and Staten Island City Councilman Michael McMahon are voicing their support for Democratic Congressional candidate Steve Harrison (NY-13, Staten Island and Brooklyn) in robocalls.
He says, "New York Needs a Representative who will Restore Integrity to Government"
November 3, 2006. Little Rock, AR. Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander General Wesley Clark today endorses the candidacy of Stephen Harrison in New York's 13th Congressional District.
General Clark said, "Today Americans face many difficult challenges at home and abroad. There has never been a time when foreign affairs were as closely linked to our daily lives as they are now. While fighting the causes of terrorism that threaten our country, we also face a changing global economy that demands America educate its young men and women so that they can successfully compete for good jobs in the global marketplace. We need Stephen to fight for us in Congress, and I am pleased to endorse him today.
"As a community activist, attorney, and family man, Stephen has devoted his life to serving others. Married and the father of two children, he is committed to family values, economic growth, a strong military, healthcare and education reform, lower taxes and energy costs, Social Security protection, and ending government corruption.
"Stephen's integrity and experience are much needed in government today. In voting for Stephen Harrison, New Yorkers will return honesty and accountability to our political system and reduce the influence of special interest groups. They will gain a representative who looks out for their concerns and places the good of our country above partisan politics."
General Wesley K. Clark is a retired four-star general and served as the Supreme Allied Commander of Europe where he commanded NATO forces and directed Operation Allied Force in the Balkans, putting a stop to the ethnic cleansing by the Serbs. More recently, he was drafted in 2003 to seek the Democratic nomination for President. General Clark remains engaged in public policy and private business development. Authoring two books, Waging Modern Wars and Winning Modern Wars, he and his wife, Gert, still live in Little Rock. He can be reached through his website, www.securingamerica.com.
But the war in Iraq, like no other issue, defines where this country is headed. During the last mid-term election season, when our battle against Taliban-backed Osama bin Laden (remember him?) was just beginning, Americans chose not to change horses in mid-stream.
Four years later, the Bush administration and the Republicans who control Congress have a record of failure on which to run. And Rep. Vito Fossella has been with the president every step of the way.
In his four-terms, Fossella has been on the wrong side of issues that affect his mostly Democratic constituents. He has called for Social Security to be privatized. He has supported the gun lobby. He has been weak on the environment. He opposes many abortion rights.
It is no small coincidence that Fossella is three times more likely to vote with the noxious John Birch Society than with the Service Employees International Union — many of whose members live in his Staten Island and Brooklyn district.
The district has changed a lot, thanks to an influx of upper middle class voters priced out of Brownstone Brooklyn. These voters would be shocked to find that their elected congressman votes like a red-state hack.
Weiner said the Bush administration had proposed closing Veterans Affairs facilities in the city and put forth proposals that would increase the financial burden on older veterans.
"We claim to be patriotic," Weiner said, "we send troops off to war, say a prayer every night that they come home safely, then when they return, we are simply not providing them with the care that they need."
Harrison, an attorney from Brooklyn who is challenging Fossella, said veterans "are the group that has been hurt the most by the Bush administration over the last five years."
Fossella, he said, "wraps himself in the flags," but voted against granting Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans a $1,500 bonus and, in 2003, against expanding Tricare health benefits to National Guard and Reserve troops serving in the war.
"These are the kinds of things we have to reverse in this nation," Harrison said.
"If you think we're on the right path, you have a candidate in this race," Weiner said. "If you think it's time for a change, if you've had enough with the status quo of this administration, then Steve Harrison is going to get the vote of many citizens."
