Although the race is more than a year away, a new name has popped up as a potential Republican Congressional contender against Rep.Tim Bishop -- Lee Zeldin, an Army vet who served in Iraq.
Zeldin, 27, who was formally discharged from the service over the weekend, will form a campaign committee "Zeldin for Congress" with the Federal Elections Commission in Washington D.C. Zeldin, a lawyer, has already spoken informally with GOP chairman Harry Withers and several minor party officials about his candidacy.
"I'm passionate about lowrering the cost of living on Long Island," said Zeldin, who plans to campaign with his twin one-year-old daughters to save on day care costs. Zeldin described himself conservative on fiscal issues but moderate on other issues like "opening our borders" to lower cost prescription drugs.
The Shirley resident served the past four years in the Army, most recently as a military lawyer in Fort Bragg, but for several months in the summer of 2006 in Iraq at a legal advisor to an infantry battlion of the 82nd Airborne unit in Tikrit.
As a college student he served as an aide to State Sen. Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson).
He expects to raise....
Rick Brand
... $200,000 by year's end and acknowledges that a winning campaign is likely to cost $2-milllion who hopes to raise the money through internet, direct mail and personal outreach.
He joins K.T. McFarland, a one-time defense advisor to late President Ronald Reagan, who has also expressed interest in a possible run since making Southampton her full-time home earlier this year. As a former U.S.Senate candidate, McFarland has also shown the capacity to raise substantial funds.
Undaunted, Zeldin said he has a strong chance of getting the party's nod: "I'm the right candidate, at the right time."
Comments (32)
Looks like Lee Zeldin would make a great voice for our community. I cant wait to see his campaign get off the ground. He sounds like the right canidate at the right time for our community here in Suffolk County.
I am glad to hear that Lee Zeldin is throwing his hat into the ring. There are some serious leadership issues going on in New York's First Congressional District. We need fresh ideas and someone that can deliver under pressure.
Long Island is getting too expensive for the young and the old. We need someone that can deliver a remedy to deliver the elderly their medication and still enable them survive.
We need a leader that isn't afraid to get things done.
I think Lee is making a great choice by wanting to represent this community. He brings excellent leadership abilities to an area that has suffered in late. By keeping the elderly healthy at a cheaper cost and easing the rising prices for today's youth, he'll be able to keep families together.
Lee Zeldin not only brings leadership, he brings dedication. After protecting our nation over seas, Lee has come back to his roots to help change the future of this town. As most of us know along with me being part of this community, this area has been under emphasized and it is time for change. Today people see a town of poverty; tomorrow people will see a town of hope if you allow Mr. Zeldin do his job. In reality, a majority of today’s society lives for a happy retirement but unfortunately our nation’s health costs make that difficult. Although there are greater advances in the health care sector there are also technological burdens that contribute to the higher costs. One of Lee’s commitments is to allow us to buy FDA approved prescription drugs from other nations at reduced rates. We also need to give the Sectary of Health and Human Services the authority to negotiate the cost of prescription drugs and limit which drugs to approve for disbursement under federally funded programs. There are big ideas in the making. It’s only up to you to decide if they are made! I believe in him, I hope you will too.
Lee is the best person to represent the 1st Dist. in DC. His ideas to change things on the Island is to be commended.
Go for it Lee
Lee SHould talk to the FIreman who ran against Isreal after 9-11 see how that worked out. Maybe they can get an indian chief and form a band
I'm inspired by Lee Zeldin's commitment to improve quality of life for the people of Long Island. It's refreshing to know that his campaign will be one of inclusion and will cross party lines to make progress.
KT already lining up big time consultant fire power, zeldin better do the same if he wants to get through nominations
In a time of political gridlock and total dissatisfaction with Congress, Lee brings to the political stage fresh ideas, selflessness, vigor, integrity, character and a solid plan for improving the quality of life for the residents of the 1st CD, as well the entire nation. A life-long resident of Suffolk County, an American hero, a brilliant guy who completed his bachelor's degree and law degree in just 5 years time, a loving husband and father of beautiful twin 1-year old daughters, a son, a grandson, a veteran and a new homeowner, Lee will work for all of us with the same passion and dedication he's given to every aspect of his life. It's time we take back our government and are once again inspired by our leaders. November 2008 is our chance to elect, as our Representative, a person who will change business as usual in our nation's capitol, work tirelessly to get things done, improve our lives and restore confidence and honor back to the halls of Congress. Without question, Lee Zeldin is that person.
I am happy to see returning veterans involved in making our community a better place to live.
I am hoping Bush and Bishop leave Washington together next year. Since they both agree on amnesty for illegal immigrants at the expense of middle class taxpayers and our communities. I will shed no tears for Bishop even though I am a lifelong registered Democrat and voted for Bishop twice. Things have not gotten better in my town in fact they are getting worse. As for K T McFarland the last thing we need is another elitest from Southamption like Bishop. I for one will be taking a real close look at Zeldin.
BCP
http://beercanpolitcs.blogspot.com
Lee will return honor and dignity to the office and his party. He's a true patriot with the energy, drive and intellect to make a positive impact in the lives of his constituents.
Politics needs fresh voices like Lee from both parties to end partisanship, moral hypocrocy and return fiscal discipline to American government.
YES, it is time for a change.
I believe that before Mr. Zeldin runs for public office based on his "war record", he should publically disclose the EXACT length of his time in Iraq (as an Iraq war veteran, I am personally aware of some officers who spent as little 1 month before being allowed to go home for a variety of questionable "personal reasons"). If Mr. Zeldin spent less then the full length of his original tour, he should explain why he got to go home while many of us who were fighting did not get to rotate out under similar conditions. If Mr. Zeldin did get to go home to his family earlier than the rest of us, I would wonder what he would say to the soldiers who had to pick up the slack and fight in his place. Of course, if Mr. Zeldin did serve his full tour, then no explanation would be necessary and I for one would be more than happy to vote for him.
I would not categorize your twin girls being in dire jeopardy and fighting for survival due to premature birth as "questionable personal reasons"
If you're going to attack someone, maybe you should get your facts straight
Lee has served and continues to serve his country honorably
4thetruth-
I happen to personally know why Lee Zeldin came home early. The rules for being sent home from a combat zone are very cut and dry. A serviceman, officer or enlisted, should be sent home when a nuclear family member dies or is in a grave situation where the prognosis of survival is unlikely.
This man, after law school, could have chased ambulances and made a lot more money than an Army Officer. But he went into the military. Let me say during A WAR. That alone should show enough about his character and dedication to serve his country. It doesn't matter if you were in Iraq serving in the special forces or as a mechanic. Whether you are there for 2 days or 2 years. I think that attacking his character for being sent home a month early is little of you. And for the record I know Lee was there from July to September of 2006. Moreover for the record, he is still serving in the Army Reserves.
Actually I was not attacking Mr. Zeldin personnally. I was in fact referring to my cowardly former Lt. who got his family to write the army and get him a "temp" transfer home (and of course the wimp never came back and left his men hanging out to dry). But I do find it interesting (and quite disturbing) that Mr. Zeldin seems to have taken a similar path.
Very, very interesting...
While we are on the subject, you mentioned he came home a "month early." after less then three months in country. Hmmm, I don't recall any soldiers going to Iraq on a four month tour...
Maybe our "future congressman" would like to comment and remember...
Military records are public, so I suggest he answer very carefully.
It's unconscionable that someone would continue to disparage Mr Zeldin indirectly through innuendo, especially when the answer was given
Clearly you have no care for a man's family and what they've been through
Been on any swiftboats lately "not4thetruth"?
If you disagree with his positions on issues, call them out, but don't hide behind fake innuendos/lies to do your dirty work
I believe the "not 4 the truth" truly describes the man behind his words. Lee's twin daughters were born in the 25th week, spent 3 months in the nicu. They both weighed less than 1&1/2 pounds and one had to have brain surgery. If the government felt there was a need for him to get back, who are you to pass judgement.
As the mother of an airman who served in Iraq on the ground as a convoy protector for 9 months and even now flies with the C17s in and out of Afghanistan and Iraq, I commend Lee Zeldin for his ROTC choice and for serving in the Army. I am also the wife of a retired Marine who has also served his country well. I am a strong Republican and understand the support our military needs in times like these - the individual patriot on the ground has been forgotten. If I was living in Lee's district, I would most certainly vote for him - his ideas and goals are to be commended. God bless the our men and women serving now.
R. Gaines, SC
As the mother of an airman who served in Iraq on the ground as a convoy protector for 9 months and even now flies with the C17s in and out of Afghanistan and Iraq, I commend Lee Zeldin for his ROTC choice and for serving in the Army. I am also the wife of a retired Marine who has also served his country well. I am a strong Republican and understand the support our military needs in times like these - the individual patriot on the ground has been forgotten. If I was living in Lee's district, I would most certainly vote for him - his ideas and goals are to be commended. God bless our men and women serving now.
R. Gaines, SC
What defines a leader? This is a tough question because leadership is a social-driven process whose success is based on the leader’s ability to connect with his or her followers. Such is the case with Lee’s run for Congress. The leader must not only be a Chameleon but rigid and stead fast in their beliefs – Lee emanates such qualities. As a specialist in the field of leadership I can attest that his ability to connect to the wide array of the people he will be serving and representing in the United States Congress only goes to support the human relations side of leader which is the true ability to put one’s self in another’s shoes, to feel both the person’s pain, pleasure, and ultimate success. Tomorrow’s United States leadership must finally realize that that without the people, a Congressman is nothing more then just another empty suit…God’ speed Dr. Zeldin on your forthcoming victory and further service to our country. S. Gaines EdD (abd)
Although his election is a year away and I am myself involved in a contest to become Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead, I would like to add my voice to those supporting Lee Zeldin for Congress. I know this young man to be an honest patriot who has looked forward to the day he could step forward and put his name on the line to serve his country in another way . He devoted himself to an Army career when he could have just gone on to make money after law school. We need more young peopke like him to step up to the plate.
I find the candidacy of Mr.Zeldin refreshing and cause for hope. I ran vs. Hillary Clinton last year. Although I was the nominee of the Republican party, it didn't stop KT McFarlane from running a nasty vicious negative campaign against me. She attacked me and my family in very personal ways, and it provided great assistance for Hillary. Fortunately, the voters saw through her obscene actions and we defeated KT easily with a 2 to 1 margin, including her own district(s). Not sure where she calls home, Suffolk or Manhattan. As I was reading the comments from this story, I saw the negatives coming already against Mr. Zeldin and it sure fits the KT McFarlane style. She can't offer much in the way of a real candidacy as a liberal elitist Republican, but she can sure use her money to attack and cowardly rip apart a good man and his family. So Mr. Zeldin, I wish you well, and good luck, and thank you for your service to our Country. john spencer
I understand '4thetruth' and his need of full disclosure of a public official running for office...we have all seen despicable behavior in politics, much of it in the last 7 yrs in the Bush administration...however, it is my understanding that Mr. Zeldin left for Iraq during his wife's pregnancy with full understanding twins were expected, knowing their births would most likely occur without him present....The fact that his two infant daughters' lives were so dangerously premature and their survival tenuous at best is nothing anyone can know in advance nor wish for. Would anyone be so callous as to say that the babies' dire situation of survival wasn't in the end a 'meaningful' reason to come home? Shame on anyone who would think that. Let's keep our heads on straight here and not forget compassion and reason!
Lee is the right man at the right time for the right job. Tim Bishop is a likeable "teddy bear" kind of a guy. Prefers not to make waves. Remains silent when contreversial issues arrise. Tries to stay off the radar screen. And leaves his constituants scratching their heads wondering where he stands on anything. Best guess is: He is for Hillary. He has an ambiguous position on the immigration problem. Supports giving driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. Wants us to retreat from Iraq. And you can guess the rest. There never was a more important time than NOW for us not to have a voiceless follower. Lee Zeldin is a leader wanting a congressional district to lead. I say retire the teady bear and hire a Lion.
QUOTE: "...it is my understanding that Mr. Zeldin left for Iraq during his wife's pregnancy with full understanding twins were expected, knowing their births would most likely occur without him present....The fact that his two infant daughters' lives were so dangerously premature and their survival tenuous at best is nothing anyone can know in advance nor wish for."
As I said previously, I did not know before reading this blog that Mr. Zeldin was one of those officers who bailed out before his tour was finished. You all told me that.
Boy, I am guessing that Mr. Zeldin or his family must have really pulled some strings. Are you sure he is not related to the Kennedy's?
BTW, I personally served with two soldiers who's babies were also born "dangerously premature" while the soldiers were deployed (one to iraq, the other to Afganistan) They both asked to go back and were told that a soldier's place in combat is with his unit. They accepted this as the good and patriotic soldiers they are and finally got home when they could.
Well in any case, I am sure that after his babies were born, Mr. Zeldin demanded to go right back to Iraq to fight with his unit, because that is what an honorable soldier would do.
He did go back didn't he?
By your continued "swiftboatlike" comments Not4thetruth, I'm guessing serving domestically is in your mind not as valuable as serving overseas
Not very patriotic are you?
Your comments do a disservice to all fine men and women serving
"By your continued "swiftboatlike" comments Not4thetruth, I'm guessing serving domestically is in your mind not as valuable as serving overseas"
Is serving domestically as valuable as serving overseas? I don't know about "valuable," I do know that as someone who has served TWO tours in Iraq (12 and 15 months) I do take exception to someone who (from what I read on this blog), seems to have been able to get himself yanked out of a combat zone after just a month or two, then sat out the rest of his career in a nice safe office back in the states while his friends were fighting and dieing "overseas", then has the unmitigated BALLS to run for public office on his "War Record."
But I could have my facts wrong. I can only base my opinions on what the people on this blog have told me about this particular candidate.
4thetruth-
you have read blog posts from Sandra Schwartz, John Spencer, Bob Gaines, Joanne S, Rob Moschetti, John Carway, Paul Caltabiano, John Morgan, Dennis Christoforatos, Jared Crist, and many more. All these people have the courage to stand behind their words and sign their real names, while you hide behind a fictitious identity. Sign your real name next time, tough guy. Who knows if you ever served in combat.
4thetruth: Truth seems to be exactly what you lack my friend. Lee nor any other soldier has time coming to him for family. An that inculdes death in the family and when his wife is having a baby. Has nothing to do with rank my friend. Before you ever open your mouth. You need to get your facts straight! Lee served his country with honor. He is the elite among 300,000,000 Americans with less then 0.72% that serve our country. No one in Lee's family pulled strings to get him home. Nor is Lee, anything like the Kennedy's. You should be thankful to ever men and women that serve our country. See 4thetruth, I gather you are an American that take so much for granted. I can question you. Simple fact you have no name. My son served and died in Iraq. An he considered every soldier his brother and sister. He worried about people like you to disrespect the service of his soldier. Like so many Americans have with our Vietnam Veteans. An 4the Truth, you served! You had the same opportunity as every soldier does to come home on a family emergency.
A smart young man, a real family oriented person like Lee, will be great for Suffolk County. GO FOR IT LEE, YOU WILL HAVE MY VOTE AS WELL AS ALL MY FAMILY IN SUFFOLK.