I haven’t pestered you with that many requests to support a congressional candidate. So indulge me one more time, and help me support Richard Hanna, who is running in NY-24 in central upstate New York against incumbent Democrat Michael Arcuri.
The seat had been Republican for 60 years until Arcuri won in 2006, and Arcuri defeated Hanna by only 2% in 2008. This is one of those races where you can make a difference.
I had the pleasure of meeting Hanna last Friday at a Tompkins County, NY, Republican annual dinner, at which I was the keynote speaker. (One reaction to my speech is here.)
Hanna also gave an inspiring speech. I really wish I had a video of it, because you would love it. Hanna spoke about his background creating a construction company from nothing and in the process creating 450 jobs in a region which is sorely lacking in jobs.
While I don’t have a video of Hanna’s speech, this campaign video captures some of the message:
Arcuri is a standard issue Democrat who has toed the party line on most issues. Arcuri voted in favor of the Stimulus Plan. Arcuri voted against cap-and-trade but only because New York State did not received enough credits, not because of opposition to the concept.
Arcuri, a so-called Blue Dog, has been trying to reposition himself as a moderate. He voted 97% of the time with Democrats in the 110th Congress, but that percentage dropped to 90% in the 111th Congress.
But Arcuri is no moderate, just a savvy political player who has recognized the rising tide.
Arcuri voted in favor of the original and more radical House health care bill, then changed his tune when the House was forced to vote on the Senate version. Arcuri held out committing to a “no” vote until almost the very end, when Pelosi gave permission to a number of Democrats (but not enough to defeat the bill) to vote “no” to cover their rear ends.
The real Arcuri is the guy who took to the floor of the House to give a rip-roaring speech against the surge in Iraq, in which he objected to use of the word “victory” and invoked almost every Democratic Party talking point:
Arcuri also engages in standard issue Democratic demagoguery on expanded oil drilling (which he is against):
This is one of those winnable races. Arcuri has been running a lot of blatantly false negative ads attacking Hanna, and Hanna has fought back.
But Hanna needs our help.
I just donated, so please help as well. I promise never to ask for any more favors (heh).
Donate here.
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