BAM! The NY Times opens up with this;
The city's most interesting election races are in districts that cover Staten Island and parts of neighboring Brooklyn. Reflecting the general state of voter discontent across the country, the usually comfortable incumbent congressman, Representative Vito Fossella, is in an unexpectedly spirited match-up, while two retirements in the State Legislature offer an opportunity to bring fresh faces and ideas to a State Capitol in dire need of both.
By now I hope you have heard the story. NY-13 is the only New York City seat held by a Republican,
Rep. Vito Fossella. In 2004 Democrats got the closest (59-41%) they ever have to knocking him off thanks to Frank Barbaro. While that may not sound as close as some may like, the Bush/Kerry results on Staten Island was 55-45%, so we know voters disliked the President in 2004 and that number surely has only grown.
Mr. Fossella, the only Republican in the city's Congressional delegation, possesses a well-known name on Staten Island. But his 10 years in Congress have defined him as anything but the independent fighter for constituents that he claims to be in this campaign. He has been a real water-carrier for the Bush administration and the Republican leadership, staunchly backing the war in Iraq while at the same time denying health benefits to National Guard and Reserve members who make up much of the American force there.
The congressman, who declined an interview with The Times editorial board, has been unsympathetic to environmental concerns and has opposed a woman's right to choose. He does his constituents no favors by his support for privatizing Social Security. He has voted to protect gun makers and sellers. While Mr. Fossella has lately sought funding to deal with health problems related to to the attacks of Sept. 11, he has largely been missing on important local issues. His Democratic colleague, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, who represents the Sixth District, has often been left to advocate Staten Island's many transportation needs, including the North Shore rail.
In 2004 Rep. Fossella wouldn't even show up for a scheduled debate and sent his campaign manager instead. So it is no surprise he didn't even bother showing up to the Times interview. The guy seriously thinks no one is paying attention and he will be re-elected because he is the incumbent. But our candidate Stephen Harrison is changing that.
Mr. Fossella has offered only lame excuses for improperly using his campaign funds for skiing holidays in Vail (including lessons and equipment), as well as vacations in Florida -- transgressions first reported by the Daily News. He has received donations from a lobbying firm with ties to Jack Abramoff. Earlier this year, he was fined a reported $60,000 for misusing his taxpayer-funded official mailing privileges.
He has also gone negative in a nasty way against his underfinanced Democratic opponent, Stephen Harrison. Voters should beware of any politician who tries to scare them, as Mr. Fossella has done, by pasting his opponent's photo alongside Osama bin Laden's.
Mr. Harrison is a lawyer who has not previously held public office and who entered the race when other more experienced Democrats demurred, believing Mr. Fossella was unbeatable. He deserves credit for making the stand, and is an attractive alternative to Mr. Fossella in his own right. Mr. Harrison has a presence in both sides of the district; he resides in Brooklyn, while his mother and sister live on Staten Island.
As chair of Community Board 10 in Brooklyn, he demonstrated leadership as he oversaw one of the city's largest efforts to contain overdevelopment through rezoning. He has a good command of the issues, and a feel for the concerns of the district. Mr. Harrison surprised many with his passion and keen intelligence in a series of debates with Mr. Fossella. The distinctions could not be clearer. We endorse Mr. Harrison for Congress.
While most campaigns are done with fund raising, this race can still use the money. Fossella has raised compared to Harrison's $100,000 and yet this thing is still closer than it was in 2004. Any money you give is going straight to campaign lit and phone banking costs. $50 may not make a big difference to a lot of other campaigns, but that money is going straight into GOTV efforts here, immediately.
Steve was on [MSNBC last week.
Steve's race was upgraded by CQPolitics last week.
Fossella starting showing major signs of trouble two weeks ago having to reach out to Redstate for financial help.
Curiously this is not what I expected when I first started reading about the 50 State Strategy, but it is exactly what is going on. This race was overlooked by the DCCC after their candidate did not jump in. Steve Harrison is about to win a race no one else wanted to compete in, and he is being outspent at least 15:1, and that number is more like 18:1 (Fossella has brought in at least $1.5 million, two weeks ago).
But don't just take my word for it, listen to the candidate himself;
Steve at the Brooklyn debate
Steve at the AARP debate
Steve on MSNBC
The campaign can use your money and your volunteering skills.
Call the office to help:
Brooklyn - 718-836-0760
Staten Island - 718-720-8683