Frank Scaturro Blog
Featured Blogs
Latest News!
Written By
Comment Count
Comment Last Three
I know that our votes came not only from registered Conservatives and Republicans, but also from Democrats and independents who seek a fresh alternative to politics as usual. That means a great deal to me. Carolyn McCarthy and all who won this year’s election deserve our best wishes and prayers for success in dealing with the challenges facing our country.
I am deeply grateful to all of you who sacrificed so much for this campaign since I began last year. Many of you gave your support under circumstances that no one should have to face in America. Please do not let that lessen your resolve in the future. This is still your country. You just have to fight to be heard. Thank you for fighting the good fight with me.
With deepest gratitude,
Frank
I am deeply grateful to all of you who sacrificed so much for this campaign since I began last year. Many of you gave your support under circumstances that no one should have to face in America. Please do not let that lessen your resolve in the future. This is still your country. You just have to fight to be heard. Thank you for fighting the good fight with me.
With deepest gratitude,
Frank
I write to you today as a former candidate for statewide office in New York and as a lifelong Republican. New York’s Fourth Congressional District faces a critical choice in this election as our nation confronts chronic unemployment, an exploding national debt, and the arrogant cronyism that has helped give Washington such a bad name. Sadly, residents of Nassau County have long been afflicted with similar problems from their local government.
Of the three candidates in this race, I enthusiastically endorse Frank Scaturro for Congress. He brings to the table an uncommon combination of experience and freshness that the district needs after 16 years of Carolyn McCarthy. Frank’s efforts spearheading the restoration of Grant’s Tomb demonstrate his innate integrity and effectiveness in dealing with government’s notoriously immovable bureaucracy. He has written books on U.S. history, constitutional law, and corporate responsibility. His service as Counsel for the Constitution on the Senate Judiciary Committee aided the confirmation of constitutionalist judges who were often under fire for resisting judicial activism. On top of that, he taught about the legislative process and constitutional law at Hofstra Law School. It is rare that someone brings such depth of experience, not to mention more effectiveness in dealing with government than many sitting elected officials, to a run for Congress.
Even more importantly, Frank is as honest as he is knowledgeable about the issues. He is the only candidate in this race who shows both a grasp of the issues and willingness to cut through Washington double-talk and budget gimmicks to offer an honest discussion of the new course our country needs to overcome its current crisis.
In 1990, I ran for Governor of New York on the Conservative line after the state’s Republican leadership compromised their principles with a last-minute nominee who was unworthy of the office and unable to win. The substantial vote I received that year sent a powerful message that helped the party get its act together. This race sadly presents another occasion when Republicans like me and all others who seek principled leadership should stand up to party bosses. Frank Scaturro is the only candidate in this race with the ideas, the principles, and the courage to turn this country around. When you go to the polls tomorrow, I hope you will support him with your vote.
Sincerely,
Herbert I. London
President Emeritus
Hudson Institute
I write to you today as a former candidate for statewide office in New York and as a lifelong Republican. New York’s Fourth Congressional District faces a critical choice in this election as our nation confronts chronic unemployment, an exploding national debt, and the arrogant cronyism that has helped give Washington such a bad name. Sadly, residents of Nassau County have long been afflicted with similar problems from their local government.
Of the three candidates in this race, I enthusiastically endorse Frank Scaturro for Congress. He brings to the table an uncommon combination of experience and freshness that the district needs after 16 years of Carolyn McCarthy. Frank’s efforts spearheading the restoration of Grant’s Tomb demonstrate his innate integrity and effectiveness in dealing with government’s notoriously immovable bureaucracy. He has written books on U.S. history, constitutional law, and corporate responsibility. His service as Counsel for the Constitution on the Senate Judiciary Committee aided the confirmation of constitutionalist judges who were often under fire for resisting judicial activism. On top of that, he taught about the legislative process and constitutional law at Hofstra Law School. It is rare that someone brings such depth of experience, not to mention more effectiveness in dealing with government than many sitting elected officials, to a run for Congress.
Even more importantly, Frank is as honest as he is knowledgeable about the issues. He is the only candidate in this race who shows both a grasp of the issues and willingness to cut through Washington double-talk and budget gimmicks to offer an honest discussion of the new course our country needs to overcome its current crisis.
In 1990, I ran for Governor of New York on the Conservative line after the state’s Republican leadership compromised their principles with a last-minute nominee who was unworthy of the office and unable to win. The substantial vote I received that year sent a powerful message that helped the party get its act together. This race sadly presents another occasion when Republicans like me and all others who seek principled leadership should stand up to party bosses. Frank Scaturro is the only candidate in this race with the ideas, the principles, and the courage to turn this country around. When you go to the polls tomorrow, I hope you will support him with your vote.
Sincerely,
Herbert I. London
President Emeritus
Hudson Institute
I hope this finds you and your family safe in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. I know that most residents of Nassau County are still without power, as I am, and a good number are enduring catastrophic damage to their property and livelihoods. This is especially widespread in our south shore communities, where the destruction is harrowing to witness.
Those of you seeking assistance should be aware of the available aid. New York State's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has established a Hurricane Sandy Helpline at (888) 769-7243 or (518) 485-1159. It contains information on shelters, local assistance centers, mental health resources, and food banks.
You can find a summary of key federal disaster aid programs available as needed and warranted under the President's major disaster declaration for New York at this link. Additionally, Nassau County just announced the opening of two sites, as detailed at this link, for the disposal of tree debris caused by the Hurricane. Amid reports of breaches of pipes within the sewage system, you may report related health risks where there are backups at manhole covers and basement drains to the Department of Health Emergency Desk: (516) 573-9635. Nassau County has also activated its non-emergency hotline: 1 (888) 684-4274.
It will take a long time to repair much of the damage caused by the storm, but it is amazing what we can accomplish when we pull together to rebuild.
God bless,
Frank J. Scaturro
Conservative Nominee for New York's 4th Congressional District
Frank Scaturro for Congress, Inc.
515 Herricks Road, Suite 4
New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Office: (516) 881-7377
Fax: (516) 294-8016
Email: Frank@FrankScaturro.com
I hope this finds you and your family safe in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. I know that most residents of Nassau County are still without power, as I am, and a good number are enduring catastrophic damage to their property and livelihoods. This is especially widespread in our south shore communities, where the destruction is harrowing to witness.
Those of you seeking assistance should be aware of the available aid. New York State's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has established a Hurricane Sandy Helpline at (888) 769-7243 or (518) 485-1159. It contains information on shelters, local assistance centers, mental health resources, and food banks.
You can find a summary of key federal disaster aid programs available as needed and warranted under the President's major disaster declaration for New York at this link. Additionally, Nassau County just announced the opening of two sites, as detailed at this link, for the disposal of tree debris caused by the Hurricane. Amid reports of breaches of pipes within the sewage system, you may report related health risks where there are backups at manhole covers and basement drains to the Department of Health Emergency Desk: (516) 573-9635. Nassau County has also activated its non-emergency hotline: 1 (888) 684-4274.
It will take a long time to repair much of the damage caused by the storm, but it is amazing what we can accomplish when we pull together to rebuild.
God bless,
Frank J. Scaturro
Conservative Nominee for New York's 4th Congressional District
Frank Scaturro for Congress, Inc.
515 Herricks Road, Suite 4
New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Office: (516) 881-7377
Fax: (516) 294-8016
Email: Frank@FrankScaturro.com
Newsday
October 23, 2012
By
Republican attorney Frank Scaturro has feuded with his own party's leaders and filed a lawsuit against Conservative Party officials.
Ultimately, 259 write-in votes were enough to secure him a spot on the November ballot as the Conservative Party candidate against Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola).
October 23, 2012
By
Republican attorney Frank Scaturro has feuded with his own party's leaders and filed a lawsuit against Conservative Party officials.
Ultimately, 259 write-in votes were enough to secure him a spot on the November ballot as the Conservative Party candidate against Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola).
NassauRepublicans are backing County Legis. Francis X. Becker of Lynbrook, and have pressed Scaturro to drop out of the race.
GOP leaders fear Scaturro's candidacy threatens to siphon Republican votes, to the benefit of incumbent McCarthy.
Scaturro, a registered Republican, has refused to fold his Conservative Party campaign, saying he presents an alternative to longtime politicians.
"I believe we are at an important crossroads that really requires our public servants to stand up and have an honest dialogue, which we're not getting from our incumbent elected officials," said Scaturro, 40, of Hempstead.
Scaturro said that if elected he would push to reduce the size of government, repeal the Obama administration's health care overhaul and cut corporate tax rates. His supporters include Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and the Brightwaters-based Conservative Society for Action.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, Scaturro taught constitutional law at Hofstra University and once served as a legal aide to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
"I would come into the job with an awareness and strong background in our Constitution," Scaturro said. "Too often lawmakers will say, 'The courts will deal with it.' You can't do that."
Born in Brooklyn, Scaturro grew up in New Hyde Park. He graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, where his father worked as a maintenance supervisor. His mother was a secretary for various law firms.
While majoring in history and political science at Columbia University, Scaturro got a taste of the district in 1993 as an intern for Rep. David Levy, a Republican who served one term.
In 1991, as a National Park Service volunteer, Scaturro founded the Grant Monument Association, a nonprofit that oversaw a $1.8 million restoration of the General Grant National Memorial on Manhattan's West Side. He remains president of the association.
On the campaign trail, Scaturro, who has never held elected office, paints his opponents as beholden to party leaders.
"Carolyn McCarthy has been a virtual rubber stamp for Nancy Pelosi," Scaturro said, referring to the House minority leader, a California Democrat. "Mr. Becker has just been a rubber stamp for the Nassau political bosses. None have demonstrated leadership."
McCarthy said: "The people in this district know me . . . and know I will be there for them."
Becker said that if Scaturro "truly felt and truly believed in conservative principles, he wouldn't be running." He said "a vote for Frank Scaturro is a vote for Carolyn McCarthy."
Scaturro, who lost to Becker in the 2010 and 2012 Republican congressional primaries for the seat, staged an upset when he collected enough Conservative party write-in votes to get on the November ballot.
Scaturro ran a write-in campaign after Conservatives gave their nod to Becker.
Scaturro has publicly criticized NassauGOP leaders, saying they never gave him a fair chance to be the party's pick because he was not "beholden to the party bosses."
NassauGOP spokesman Tony Santino has said "Scaturro is more about his own monumental ego and ambition than about retiring" McCarthy.
Scaturro counters that his willingness "to stand up to the bosses in my own party" demonstrates his ability to answer only to his constituents.
"I'm willing to buck them and stand up for what's right," Scaturro said of party officials. "We need more people who are willing to take a risk and ask the tough questions."
Editor's note: A story on Tuesday about Fourth Congressional District candidate Frank Scaturro misattributed the final quote of the story.
National Review Online
October 17, 2012
By Michael J. New
Consistent readers of the Corner will remember my post this summer about NY-4 House candidate Frank Scaturro’s surprise write-in victory in the Conservative party’s primary.
Scaturro, a former law professor and a onetime counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee, has decided to actively campaign for this seat in Congress. He and Republican nominee Fran Becker are both running against incumbent Democrat Carolyn McCarthy.
National Review Online
October 17, 2012
By Michael J. New
Consistent readers of the Corner will remember my post this summer about NY-4 House candidate Frank Scaturro’s surprise write-in victory in the Conservative party’s primary.
Scaturro, a former law professor and a onetime counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee, has decided to actively campaign for this seat in Congress. He and Republican nominee Fran Becker are both running against incumbent Democrat Carolyn McCarthy.
Winners of Conservative-party primaries in New York frequently support the Republican candidate. However, the circumstances in this election are unique. Fran Becker, a Nassau County legislator, is the handpicked nominee of the Nassau County Republican Party’s political machine, an old-school political machine which controls a number of patronage jobs and wields considerable control over nominations. Their members, including Becker, have voted to raise taxes, increase fees, and offer unions generous contracts; they’re partly responsible for the fiscal mess in Nassau County.
Furthermore, Becker’s conduct this election cycle should give conservatives who are considering supporting him pause. First during this year’s Republican primary, Becker called conservative activist Scaturro “an ultra-liberal” and “an Arlen Specter Democrat.” Becker’s campaign went so far as to doctor a photo to create a fake image of Scaturro “with” Senator Arlen Specter (and without Scaturro’s American-flag lapel pin), which was used in a piece of campaign literature. However, these charges were baseless: Scaturro is a longtime conservative activist, has served as president of the New Hyde Park Republican Club, and was endorsed by both the Eagle Forum and the Rockville Center Tea Party Patriots.
Second, Becker generated controversy in August when he honored El Salvador’s vice president, Salvador Sánchez Cerén, in a ceremony in Freeport, N.Y., to mark Salvadoran-American Day. Cerén has led El Salvador’s Marxist-Leninist FMLN party and is a supporter of terrorism. Days after September 11, Cerén led an anti-American march in the Salvadoran capital which celebrated the attacks and featured the burning of an American flag. According to congressional testimony submitted by Representative Dana Rohrabacher (R., Calif.), the FMLN has been an ally of terrorist-supporting nations including Cuba and Iran. The Washington Times reports that as FMLN’s commanding general, Cerén approved over 1,200 assassinations during the late 1980s. While other New York public officials distanced themselves from Cerén, Becker was the exception. He stated that criticism of Cerén was overblown, adding, “Everybody’s going to have political adversaries.”
Finally, last month, Becker’s campaign distributed flyers at a largely African-American Baptist church in Hempstead, N.Y. The flyer is deliberately deceptive as it encouraged people to vote “Obama on Row A” and “Becker on Row B.” The flyer also offered a free scratch ticket in exchange for a voter’s name and contact information. Becker’s willingness to bribe voters should raise serious questions about his judgment, in addition to the possibility that offering free lottery tickets in this fashion violates New York state-lottery rules.
New Hyde Park, NY – For the first time this election cycle, Frank Scaturro, Conservative Party nominee for New York’s 4th District, was joined by his two opponents in the race at a forum. Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy and Legislator Fran Becker joined Scaturro at a public forum dedicated to issues of Jewish concern, organized by the Israel Action Committee of the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre.
Contact: Akeem Mellis
Phone: (516) 881-7377
Date: October 12, 2012
Email: akeem@frankscaturro.com
New Hyde Park, NY – For the first time this election cycle, Frank Scaturro, Conservative Party nominee for New York’s 4th District, was joined by his two opponents in the race at a forum. Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy and Legislator Fran Becker joined Scaturro at a public forum dedicated to issues of Jewish concern, organized by the Israel Action Committee of the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre.
The forum was dominated by discussion of Israel and related foreign policy issues. In his opening statement and in a rebuttal to Rep. McCarthy, Scaturro recounted a list of instances in which the Obama Administration shortchanged Israel and damaged the relationship between our two countries, which, he added, is part of a broader foreign policy course that has empowered our enemies and alienated our allies. Addressing her claim to be a strong supporter of Israel, Scaturro noted McCarthy's silence with respect to the president's slights, emphasizing that at times like these, “what you don’t say is as important as what you do say.”
In that vein, Scaturro made the case that the 4th District needs someone to provide a voice of accountability for an Administration that had clearly done much to hurt the relationship between the U.S. and Israel. After McCarthy argued that President Obama has done more for Israel than the last three U.S. Presidents, Scaturro countered, “That is detached from reality.” To her praise of the administration for the amount of defense assistance it provided Israel, Scaturro cited a Congressional Research Service report projecting that the defense sequestration process authorized by the legislation she supported last year would result in a $263.5 million cut in U.S. military and economic assistance to Israel in the event a deal could not be reached on other cuts.
In contrast to the other candidates, Scaturro discussed a path of action to move the U.S.-Israel relationship forward and laid out a vision of a new partnership with our allies dedicated to countering terrorism and radical Islamic extremism. “Going forward, we do need partnerships, but I would propose that we develop a new partnership of free nations, building on the NATO alliance, to defeat Islamic extremism. That means garnering our resources to make sure that Islamic states threatened with violent jihad do not succumb to that threat,” Scaturro declared. Israel, he continued, should be admitted into NATO.
Scaturro’s vision stood in stark contrast not just to McCarthy’s comments, but to Becker’s comments as well. After stating that he had courage standing up for Israel and that he “would give up his life for Israel,” Scaturro reminded the audience of the Ceren incident –- when Becker honored the Marxist Salvadoran Vice-President during his visit to Nassau County, despite his record defending the 9/11 attacks, supporting the Iranian and Cuban regimes, and trying to extend the Hugo Chavez revolution to El Salvador. Becker "showed a lack of judgment and courage to resist pandering," Scaturro said.
The contrast between Scaturro and both McCarthy and Becker were especially apparent on the issue of foreign aid. When Becker stated that the terrorist group Hamas received $1 billion from the U.S., an audience member challenged the accuracy of the cited figure. In the face of the other candidates' apparent confusion, Scaturro noted that there is an issue with foreign aid (though not at the amount Becker claimed) going to the Palestinian Authority. McCarthy defended the aid by characterizing it as "humanitarian," but Scaturro responded that no foreign aid should go to the Palestinian Authority "until they renounce hatred and terrorism."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Akeem Mellis
Phone: (516) 881-7377
Date: October 10, 2012
Email: akeem@frankscaturro.com
MCCARTHY, BECKER NO-SHOWS AT FIRST LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS DEBATE AS SCATURRO IS THE ONLY CANDIDATE TO APPEAR
New Hyde Park, NY – In a surprise to many in attendance, neither incumbent Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy nor Republican nominee Fran Becker showed up to the first debate for the 4th Congressional District last night. Frank Scaturro, Conservative Party nominee for Congress in New York’s 4th Congressional District, was the only candidate to attend the debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of East Nassau and Central Nassau and the Cultural Program of Nassau Community College, which took place at the College Center Building at Nassau Community College.
Professor Phyllis Kurland, coordinator of Nassau Community College’s Cultural Arts Program and debate moderator, apologized to the audience for the no-shows. According to Prof. Kurland, Rep. McCarthy's office, following an initial confirmation of her attendance, indicated that she would not attend. Once Becker heard the news, apparently minutes before the debate was scheduled to begin, he changed his mind and decided not to go either.
Instead of a debate, the event became a forum in which Conservative nominee Scaturro made remarks and proceeded to answer questions from the audience, most of whom had decided to stay, including Nassau Community College students.
It would later be confirmed that Becker attended a fundraiser that evening at the Carltun on the Park.
At the start of the would-be debate, a table next to the dais had three chairs and microphones with place cards containing Becker’s and Scaturro’s names. Shortly before the announcement of Becker’s absence, a number of Becker supporters who had gathered left the room. A staff member of Becker’s campaign was heard saying he was quitting the campaign, stating that it was "embarrassing" that Becker did not show up, following a heated exchange with an official from the League of Women Voters.
The scene was reminiscent of Carolyn McCarthy’s first campaign for Congress in 1996, in which her opponent did not show up to debate and voters reacted negatively. It was, some noted, also reminiscent of Clint Eastwood’s address to the empty chair at the Republican National Convention, except Scaturro literally had two empty chairs next to him that were supposed to be filled by his opponents.
Scaturro remarked, “I appreciate the League of Women Voters and Nassau Community College hosting this event and so many residents of our district taking the time to come out to listen to the candidates running to represent them in Congress. That Congresswoman McCarthy and Mr. Becker did not bother to appear shows disrespect for their hosts and the voters they expect to vote for them—including, in Mr. Becker’s case, many of his own supporters who made it out, only to leave when their candidate decided not to come at the last minute. This is pure arrogance, and the voters should not condone it.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Akeem Mellis
Phone: (516) 881-7377
Date: October 10, 2012
Email: akeem@frankscaturro.com
MCCARTHY, BECKER NO-SHOWS AT FIRST LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS DEBATE AS SCATURRO IS THE ONLY CANDIDATE TO APPEAR
New Hyde Park, NY – In a surprise to many in attendance, neither incumbent Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy nor Republican nominee Fran Becker showed up to the first debate for the 4th Congressional District last night. Frank Scaturro, Conservative Party nominee for Congress in New York’s 4th Congressional District, was the only candidate to attend the debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of East Nassau and Central Nassau and the Cultural Program of Nassau Community College, which took place at the College Center Building at Nassau Community College.
Professor Phyllis Kurland, coordinator of Nassau Community College’s Cultural Arts Program and debate moderator, apologized to the audience for the no-shows. According to Prof. Kurland, Rep. McCarthy's office, following an initial confirmation of her attendance, indicated that she would not attend. Once Becker heard the news, apparently minutes before the debate was scheduled to begin, he changed his mind and decided not to go either.
Instead of a debate, the event became a forum in which Conservative nominee Scaturro made remarks and proceeded to answer questions from the audience, most of whom had decided to stay, including Nassau Community College students.
It would later be confirmed that Becker attended a fundraiser that evening at the Carltun on the Park.
At the start of the would-be debate, a table next to the dais had three chairs and microphones with place cards containing Becker’s and Scaturro’s names. Shortly before the announcement of Becker’s absence, a number of Becker supporters who had gathered left the room. A staff member of Becker’s campaign was heard saying he was quitting the campaign, stating that it was "embarrassing" that Becker did not show up, following a heated exchange with an official from the League of Women Voters.
The scene was reminiscent of Carolyn McCarthy’s first campaign for Congress in 1996, in which her opponent did not show up to debate and voters reacted negatively. It was, some noted, also reminiscent of Clint Eastwood’s address to the empty chair at the Republican National Convention, except Scaturro literally had two empty chairs next to him that were supposed to be filled by his opponents.
Scaturro remarked, “I appreciate the League of Women Voters and Nassau Community College hosting this event and so many residents of our district taking the time to come out to listen to the candidates running to represent them in Congress. That Congresswoman McCarthy and Mr. Becker did not bother to appear shows disrespect for their hosts and the voters they expect to vote for them—including, in Mr. Becker’s case, many of his own supporters who made it out, only to leave when their candidate decided not to come at the last minute. This is pure arrogance, and the voters should not condone it.”
###
Patch.com
By Nicole Murphy
October 10, 2012
Democratic incumbent Carolyn McCarthy and Republican candidate Francis Becker were absent Tuesday evening.
Nassau County's League of Women Voters teamed up with the Cultural Program of Nassau Community College to host a candidate forum for the 4th Congressional District Tuesday night.
What was slated to be a debate between Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola), Francis Becker (R-Lynbrook) and Frank Scaturro (C-New Hyde Park) quickly turned into a solo forum for the conservative candidate.
According to Phyllis Kurland, director of cultural affairs at Nassau Community College, a scheduling conflict led McCarthy to back out early last week, but Becker resigned just minutes before the start of the forum.
"Mr. Becker would not come, not that he couldn't come, but he was on his way here and his campaign manager informed us that when he found out Carolyn McCarthy was not going to come, he turned around and went someplace else," Kurland said.
Scaturro briefly introduced himself before addressing concerns from voters. A Brooklyn native who migrated to Nassau County with his immigrant parents at a young age, Scaturro said his beliefs as a leader stem from values his father instilled in him as a child.
"I don't come from a political family," said Scaturro, an accomplished attorney and published author. "My father brought with him values that have been with me from the youngest age: integrity, faith, the immigrant work ethic and a commitment to playing by the rules. These are values that have been battered and it's one of the reasons I chose to run."
By Nicole Murphy
October 10, 2012
Democratic incumbent Carolyn McCarthy and Republican candidate Francis Becker were absent Tuesday evening.
Nassau County's League of Women Voters teamed up with the Cultural Program of Nassau Community College to host a candidate forum for the 4th Congressional District Tuesday night.
What was slated to be a debate between Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola), Francis Becker (R-Lynbrook) and Frank Scaturro (C-New Hyde Park) quickly turned into a solo forum for the conservative candidate.
According to Phyllis Kurland, director of cultural affairs at Nassau Community College, a scheduling conflict led McCarthy to back out early last week, but Becker resigned just minutes before the start of the forum.
"Mr. Becker would not come, not that he couldn't come, but he was on his way here and his campaign manager informed us that when he found out Carolyn McCarthy was not going to come, he turned around and went someplace else," Kurland said.
Scaturro briefly introduced himself before addressing concerns from voters. A Brooklyn native who migrated to Nassau County with his immigrant parents at a young age, Scaturro said his beliefs as a leader stem from values his father instilled in him as a child.
"I don't come from a political family," said Scaturro, an accomplished attorney and published author. "My father brought with him values that have been with me from the youngest age: integrity, faith, the immigrant work ethic and a commitment to playing by the rules. These are values that have been battered and it's one of the reasons I chose to run."
"In other walks of life, particularly the armed forces and first responders like our police officers, they put their lives on the line to do their job," he added. "All politicians are asked to do is, from time to time, take a risk by telling the truth, talking about the difficult problems and difficult solutions people may not want to hear."
In response to a question about young immigrants in the United States, Scaturro introduced a favored proposal by Senator Marco Rubio -- similar to the DREAM Act -- that would consider offering permanent legal status for youth brought into America from age 0-16.
"If these immigrants have met certain education benchmarks and are law abiding citizens, then we do provide some path," he explained. "We have to be realistic and understand the position that so many of them are in who did not choose to be brought into this country, but at the same time we have to encourage respect for the law."
Another hot topic Tuesday was Scaturro's position on the country's financial standing. He said that a $16 trillion debt means that the U.S. has to change the way it spends and that spending cuts and tax cuts are not enough anymore.
"We really do need to revisit the process from its foundation," Scaturro said. "So many politicians run for office and say they'll go through all of our spending with a finetooth comb and identify the waste, but when they're elected they never actually roll up their sleeves and do that. I'm proposing we create a congressional committee and achieve this goal."
We’ve witnessed an exciting week in national politics with the first presidential debate. I am very pleased to see the reaction across the nation to Gov. Romney’s performance, which I think was superior not only on style, but much more importantly, on substance. That is fitting, considering how our current leadership has failed on so many fronts. That’s why we need to fight for change at every level.
Next week, debate season begins for our congressional race, with the first debate occurring 7:30 p.m. this Tuesday, October 9, at Nassau Community College. The full details for this and subsequent debates are as follows:
Next week, debate season begins for our congressional race, with the first debate occurring 7:30 p.m. this Tuesday, October 9, at Nassau Community College. The full details for this and subsequent debates are as follows:
- Tuesday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.: Debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters of East Nassau and Central Nassau and the Cultural Program of Nassau Community College. Location: Nassau Community College, College Center (CCB) Room 252/253.
- Monday, Oct. 15, 7:00 p.m.: Candidate forum sponsored by the Franklin Square Public Library, moderated by the South Central Division of the League of Women Voters. Location: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square 11010.
- Wednesday, Oct. 17, 7:00 p.m.: Debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Southwest Nassau. Location: Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett 11557.
- Wednesday, Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m.: Debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Long Beach. Location: Auditorium of the Long Beach Public Library, 111 West Park Avenue, Long Beach 11561.
These forums are all open to the public, and to the best of my knowledge, they will not be televised. So please make every effort to attend, bring your friends, and spread the word!
Thank you,
Frank
Contact: Akeem Mellis
Phone: (516) 881-7377
Date: September 20, 2012
Email: akeem@frankscaturro.com
New Hyde Park, NY — Frank Scaturro, Conservative Party nominee for Congress in New York’s 4th Congressional District, says that the latest Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Report on the effect of President Obama’s health care mandate tax on middle class Americans is another indictment against his health care law. The figures released by the CBO show that 6 million Americans would be subject to Obamacare’s mandate tax provision, which punishes those who choose not to obtain health insurance. That is a 50 percent increase from the CBO’s original estimates. The vast majority of those affected are in the middle class. The CBO report shows that around 80 percent estimated to be hit by the mandate tax would make either up to or less than five times the poverty level set by the federal government. By 2016, the average penalty would be $1,200.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Akeem Mellis
Phone: (516) 881-7377
Date: September 20, 2012
Email: akeem@frankscaturro.com
New Hyde Park, NY — Frank Scaturro, Conservative Party nominee for Congress in New York’s 4th Congressional District, says that the latest Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Report on the effect of President Obama’s health care mandate tax on middle class Americans is another indictment against his health care law. The figures released by the CBO show that 6 million Americans would be subject to Obamacare’s mandate tax provision, which punishes those who choose not to obtain health insurance. That is a 50 percent increase from the CBO’s original estimates. The vast majority of those affected are in the middle class. The CBO report shows that around 80 percent estimated to be hit by the mandate tax would make either up to or less than five times the poverty level set by the federal government. By 2016, the average penalty would be $1,200.
“This is more evidence of the damaging effect of Obamacare on the middle class,” Scaturro said, noting that the law still stands today because the mandate –- the heart of Obamacare –- and its accompanying penalty were determined by the Supreme Court to constitute a tax. "Whether people agree with the dissent in that case, as I do, or with the majority that upheld the law, it is clear that this is bad policy that should be repealed. We owe it not only to those currently in the middle class, but also to those who are underprivileged and who aspire to join the middle class without having additional obstacles thrown in their way."
Scaturro also criticized proponents of the law for asserting to the American people that the mandate was not a tax while they were trying to push the legislation through Congress, only to perform an about-face in federal courts in order to prevent the health care law from being struck down. "This constitutes one more example of how then candidate Obama's promise of 2008 -- that the federal government would not raise taxes on the middle class -- has been violated," he noted. "The voters should remember this when they cast their votes for president and for Congress; it is one more reason Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, who voted for Obamacare and who continues to support the law, does not deserve re-election."
###
From Frank:
"Today, Ambassador Chris Stevens, Sean Smith, Glen A. Doherty, and Tyrone S. Woods were honored for their sacrifice as their remains were returned home. Their brutal murder during the attack on our consulate in Benghazi, which followed the breaching of our embassy in Cairo, is a clear reminder of the threat posed to America by Islamic extremism. This also marks the first time in over 33 years that an American ambassador has been killed in the line of duty. As we learn more of what appears to have been a calculated attack planned to coincide with the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, those responsible deserve our strongest condemnation and swift justice. Let us keep the four Americans who fell serving their country, as well as their families, in our thoughts and prayers."
From Frank:
"Today, Ambassador Chris Stevens, Sean Smith, Glen A. Doherty, and Tyrone S. Woods were honored for their sacrifice as their remains were returned home. Their brutal murder during the attack on our consulate in Benghazi, which followed the breaching of our embassy in Cairo, is a clear reminder of the threat posed to America by Islamic extremism. This also marks the first time in over 33 years that an American ambassador has been killed in the line of duty. As we learn more of what appears to have been a calculated attack planned to coincide with the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, those responsible deserve our strongest condemnation and swift justice. Let us keep the four Americans who fell serving their country, as well as their families, in our thoughts and prayers."
Today has officially been declared Eagle Scout Day in Nassau County. Frank Scaturro, Conservative Party nominee for Congress and himself an Eagle Scout, joined the ceremonies marking the 100th anniversary of Arthur R. Eldred becoming the first to attain the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America. Eldred, a resident of Oceanside, belonged to Troop 1 in Rockville Centre, where this anniversary was commemorated in the park named after him. Scaturro noted, “Scouting has reinforced for generations of youths duty to God and country, and the timeless principles of the Scout Law go to living an honorable and upright life in service to others, to projecting goodness and optimism, and in the words of scouting’s founder, to ‘[t]ry and leave this world a little better than you found it.’”
Today has officially been declared Eagle Scout Day in Nassau County. Frank Scaturro, Conservative Party nominee for Congress and himself an Eagle Scout, joined the ceremonies marking the 100th anniversary of Arthur R. Eldred becoming the first to attain the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America. Eldred, a resident of Oceanside, belonged to Troop 1 in Rockville Centre, where this anniversary was commemorated in the park named after him. Scaturro noted, “Scouting has reinforced for generations of youths duty to God and country, and the timeless principles of the Scout Law go to living an honorable and upright life in service to others, to projecting goodness and optimism, and in the words of scouting’s founder, to ‘[t]ry and leave this world a little better than you found it.'"
Yesterday, our national debt reached the staggering and sobering total of $16 trillion. That amounts to $50,907 for each and every citizen in this country, and $140,010 for each taxpayer. It is ironic that we reached this grim milestone on the same day Democrats met to begin their national convention to renominate Barack Obama. During his term, the national debt has climbed nearly 50%, and the administration is projected to incur more debt over eight years than the country did during its previous 220-year history from George Washington to George W. Bush.
With the looming prospect of more Americans out of work, another credit downgrade, and the insolvency of Social Security and Medicare expected to be a generation away, we need to remind ourselves that this does not have to be our future or our children's future. We do have a choice in this election, and it extends to this race. My two opponents represent the prevailing status quo. Our congresswoman, Carolyn McCarthy, has marched in lockstep with the President and Nancy Pelosi in bringing this situation about. My other opponent's voting record has been so fiscally reckless that Nassau County faces a $3 billion debt and is now under a state financial control board. Neither of my opponents has advanced a debt reduction plan, and more importantly, neither has backed their words with real effort.
With the looming prospect of more Americans out of work, another credit downgrade, and the insolvency of Social Security and Medicare expected to be a generation away, we need to remind ourselves that this does not have to be our future or our children's future. We do have a choice in this election, and it extends to this race. My two opponents represent the prevailing status quo. Our congresswoman, Carolyn McCarthy, has marched in lockstep with the President and Nancy Pelosi in bringing this situation about. My other opponent's voting record has been so fiscally reckless that Nassau County faces a $3 billion debt and is now under a state financial control board. Neither of my opponents has advanced a debt reduction plan, and more importantly, neither has backed their words with real effort.
But we cannot simply talk about lowering spending. We need to reform a broken spending process from top to bottom. Only by reducing deficit spending can we reduce the risk to our currency and provide a stable economic environment to grow investments and create jobs. I propose five steps toward spending reform:
(1) cap spending or debt at a ratio of GDP more reflective of historical levels of spending, which will benefit Nassau County disproportionately given that we pay much more to the federal government than we get back;
(2) adopt a moratorium on congressional earmarks;
(3) establish a congressional committee to reduce appropriations;
(4) amend the 1974 Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act to increase presidential discretion to curb wasteful spending; and
(5) most critically, we must fix our system of entitlements, which faces irreparable damage if we do not act soon.
Effective reform begins with working to make sure this message reaches residents in the 4th District in the last two months before the general election. This is where you come in. Nothing less than our children and grandchildren’s future is at stake.
Much is at stake, and there are two unacceptable choices that will make $16 trillion become $17 trillion and $18 trillion. Combating this begins with a concerted effort to inform voters turned off by the political process of what is at stake right now. It is vital that we join voters across the nation fed up with today's politics to support and vote for real, positive change. Let's begin that push today. Please consider making a generous contribution of $25, $50, $100, or $250. You can also help by sending this email to five of your friends.
Contact: Akeem Mellis
Phone: (516) 881-7377
Date: August 28, 2012
Email: akeem@frankscaturro.com
New Hyde Park, NY — At a public meeting held last night in Stewart Manor, Frank Scaturro, Conservative Party nominee for Congress in New York’s 4th Congressional District, called for greater oversight of the state and federal agencies with jurisdiction to address the issue of airplane noise that has plagued many residents of Nassau County.
Contact: Akeem Mellis
Phone: (516) 881-7377
Date: August 28, 2012
Email: akeem@frankscaturro.com
New Hyde Park, NY — At a public meeting held last night in Stewart Manor, Frank Scaturro, Conservative Party nominee for Congress in New York’s 4th Congressional District, called for greater oversight of the state and federal agencies with jurisdiction to address the issue of airplane noise that has plagued many residents of Nassau County.
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy spoke at the meeting, which was conducted by the Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC), after making an unexpected appearance. It was reportedly the first such committee meeting she has attended. Scaturro later addressed the meeting, noting the absence of specific proposals in her comments: “After hearing from Congresswoman McCarthy, I am struck by how little we heard of any substantive proposals to rectify the situation. We’ve known for over four years that the use of Runway 22L," the principal cause of the airplane noise problem, "has been at over 25%, but we haven’t heard specifics from people with actual governmental authority."
In his remarks, Scaturro noted the specific airplane noise issues that concerned county residents: the overuse of Runway 22L, the frequency of planes straying from altitudes and descent angles outlined in their charts, and the condition of the concrete at JFK Airport's Bay Runway. Scaturro asked the Noise Abatement Committee to “develop specific proposals . . . to take to government officials in charge” of handling these issues.
Scaturro also noted the absence of the two agencies that must address the noise issue: “I’d also like to ask . . . why is it that the FAA and Port Authority are not here?”, which was applauded by the audience. “If those agencies won’t show up at public meetings like this, it doesn’t say much for their cooperation with oversight, and we need congressional oversight very badly. I do not believe we are getting it.”
The third candidate running for Congress in the Fourth District, Fran Becker, did not attend the meeting.
Contact: Akeem Mellis
Phone: (516) 881-7377
Date: August 24, 2012
Email: akeem@frankscaturro.com
New Hyde Park, NY — Frank Scaturro, Conservative Party nominee for Congress in New York’s 4th Congressional District, joined an event unveiling plans by the Town of Hempstead to preserve the monument by Roosevelt Field that commemorates Charles Lindbergh's solo transatlantic flight. Currently, the stone monument -- built in 1997 by the Fortunoff family -- has an uncertain future since the Source Mall, which owns the land on and around it, is to be auctioned off on Tuesday, August 28th.
Contact: Akeem Mellis
Phone: (516) 881-7377
Date: August 24, 2012
Email: akeem@frankscaturro.com
New Hyde Park, NY — Frank Scaturro, Conservative Party nominee for Congress in New York’s 4th Congressional District, joined an event unveiling plans by the Town of Hempstead to preserve the monument by Roosevelt Field that commemorates Charles Lindbergh's solo transatlantic flight. Currently, the stone monument -- built in 1997 by the Fortunoff family -- has an uncertain future since the Source Mall, which owns the land on and around it, is to be auctioned off on Tuesday, August 28th.
"Lindbergh, a contemporary observer wrote, had done 'something far greater' then 'simply flown from New York to Paris. . . . He had fired the imagination of mankind.' This milestone transformed the history of travel and helped open the world to people who had previously thought themselves limited to their continental boundaries. This monument is one of our hidden treasures and deserves to be preserved," Scaturro said in a statement. "A great part of our identity, of our awareness of our potential for achievement, comes from our collective memory, and it would be the opposite of progress to forget this milestone of human progress. Adam Sackowitz should be commended for his initiative in pushing for the preservation of this monument and for proposing that Congress recognize our area’s contribution to aviation history."
Hofstra student Adam Sackowitz has worked to get public officials involved to make the monument a national historic site, and he secured the introduction of a bill in the House of Representatives to grant that status to key Long Island aviation sites. At today's event, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby announced that the site shall be designated a historical site in the Town of Hempstead.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Akeem Mellis
Phone: (516) 881-7377
Date: August 16, 2012
Email: akeem@frankscaturro.com
Four days after the 9/11 attacks, Cerén, at the time a leader of the Marxist-Leninist FMLN party, led an anti-American march in the Salvadoran capital that celebrated the Al Qaeda attacks and featured the burning of an American flag. According to congressional testimony submitted by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), the FMLN has been an ally of designated terrorist groups and of nations like Cuba and Iran that have sponsored terrorism. As FMLN's commanding general, according to a Washington Times investigative report, Cerén approved 1,200 to 1,500 assassinations between 1986 and 1990.
In the wake of the local and media firestorm over Cerén's visit, some public officials involved in the events distanced themselves from him, but Newsday reports that Becker was the exception. According to the report, Becker attended a dinner honoring Cerén on Thursday, August 9, and he dismissed criticism as overblown, adding, "Personally, I welcome [Cerén] here." He continued to defend his actions even as civic groups gathered at Freeport Village Hall on Monday, some carrying signs calling on Becker and Hardwick to resign, to protest the honors bestowed on Cerén.
Frank Scaturro asserted, “When elected officials honor someone, they are supposed to be speaking for the people they represent. It should be obvious that we should not be honoring and holding out as models for the community people who represent that which is most offensive to the freedom we enjoy as Americans—especially so near the very place where freedom was so brutally attacked.”
Scaturro continued, “Mr. Becker’s actions, in which he persisted without remorse even after being informed about the background of the man he honored, were such an affront to our most basic values and showed such a lack of judgment that he should resign his office as an apology to the people he is supposed to represent."
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy has yet to make a public comment on this issue. Scaturro asked, "Why have we not heard from the congresswoman who represents the district where this transpired? A congressman from California denounced Mr. Cerén, and it did not take a visit to his district for him to do so. This is yet another affront to the people of our district, who yearn for real representation, not silence when our most basic values have been attacked."
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Akeem Mellis
Phone: (516) 881-7377
Date: August 16, 2012
Email: akeem@frankscaturro.com
New Hyde Park, NY — Frank Scaturro, Conservative Party nominee for Congress in New York’s 4th Congressional District, has strongly condemned Legislator Fran Becker and other officials for last week’s events honoring a Marxist terrorist supporter, El Salvador's Vice-President, Salvador Sanchez Cerén, which gained the attention of the news media and outraged civic groups over the past week. Last week, Cerén visited Freeport to celebrate Salvadoran-American Day -- at an event marked with ceremony and heavy police protection – hosted by Becker and Freeport Mayor Andrew Hardwick. He also attended an event in Mineola and received a folded American flag that contained the names of the approximately 3,000 victims of the September 11th attacks. He also received the key to the county.
Four days after the 9/11 attacks, Cerén, at the time a leader of the Marxist-Leninist FMLN party, led an anti-American march in the Salvadoran capital that celebrated the Al Qaeda attacks and featured the burning of an American flag. According to congressional testimony submitted by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), the FMLN has been an ally of designated terrorist groups and of nations like Cuba and Iran that have sponsored terrorism. As FMLN's commanding general, according to a Washington Times investigative report, Cerén approved 1,200 to 1,500 assassinations between 1986 and 1990.
In the wake of the local and media firestorm over Cerén's visit, some public officials involved in the events distanced themselves from him, but Newsday reports that Becker was the exception. According to the report, Becker attended a dinner honoring Cerén on Thursday, August 9, and he dismissed criticism as overblown, adding, "Personally, I welcome [Cerén] here." He continued to defend his actions even as civic groups gathered at Freeport Village Hall on Monday, some carrying signs calling on Becker and Hardwick to resign, to protest the honors bestowed on Cerén.
Frank Scaturro asserted, “When elected officials honor someone, they are supposed to be speaking for the people they represent. It should be obvious that we should not be honoring and holding out as models for the community people who represent that which is most offensive to the freedom we enjoy as Americans—especially so near the very place where freedom was so brutally attacked.”
Scaturro continued, “Mr. Becker’s actions, in which he persisted without remorse even after being informed about the background of the man he honored, were such an affront to our most basic values and showed such a lack of judgment that he should resign his office as an apology to the people he is supposed to represent."
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy has yet to make a public comment on this issue. Scaturro asked, "Why have we not heard from the congresswoman who represents the district where this transpired? A congressman from California denounced Mr. Cerén, and it did not take a visit to his district for him to do so. This is yet another affront to the people of our district, who yearn for real representation, not silence when our most basic values have been attacked."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Akeem Mellis
Phone: (516) 881-7377
Date: August 1, 2012
Email: akeem@frankscaturro.com
The question of whether I should endorse Fran Becker for Congress normally would be simple to answer: As a proud, lifelong Republican, my standard always has been, as it shall remain, to endorse the Republican nominee barring egregious circumstances that would counsel doing otherwise. Unfortunately, this election presents such circumstances.
To support a candidate in our system, we should demand that the candidate meet a minimal standard of ethics, integrity, and respect for the law. Sadly, Mr. Becker fails this test. He lied to the people he seeks to represent and brought disgrace upon himself and the Republican Party. Any number of scandals in our history teach that character matters—that elected officials cannot operate unless they maintain a bond of trust with the people. The notorious propaganda that has been exposed as a fraud is not my opponent’s only lie, but it constituted the central argument to voters for why they should vote for him. The very essence of his campaign was a fraud. For the good of the party, as a just apology to the voters, and for the cause of unseating Carolyn McCarthy, Mr. Becker should withdraw from this race.
Consider that we face the most protracted economic downturn since the Great Depression, a fiscal disaster that has mortgaged the next generation’s future, and a congresswoman who tells us that we’re paying for what we’re spending, that unemployment creates jobs. We do not need more lies, but honest representation we can trust. My commitment to honesty is unwavering.
Another factor that makes this situation so egregious is that Mr. Becker’s is not a viable campaign, but a placeholder candidacy propped up by the Nassau GOP Chairman. His lack of interest in actually winning this congressional seat is demonstrated by the fact that it has been 20 years since he endorsed a candidate who won. He reluctantly picked Mr. Becker at the last minute after failing to persuade another elected official to run. With hardly a campaign of his own, the candidate showed contempt for the voters, acting as if the political machine would do his work for him and even refusing to debate following his substandard performance at a Hofstra University forum. I have on reliable information that as my chances of winning were recognized within the organization, Chairman Mondello asked for information that could take me down. If booting an election and trumping up a lie to destroy someone within his party’s fold is not a gross breach of trust with Republican voters, then nothing is. Mr. Becker was not a viable candidate going into this race, and his electability has been further diminished by his conduct.
After a career that included fighting battles inside and outside Congress, blowing the whistle to Congress, writing about Congress, and teaching about Congress, I stepped up to run for Congress because I am sick of the tyranny of ulterior motives and want to do my part to bring my neighbors relief from a status quo that is increasingly unbearable. The Republican Party must show that they are serious about real reform, because the Democratic Party of Carolyn McCarthy has abandoned John Kennedy’s challenge of 50 years ago to ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. Their agenda has become all about buying votes and increasing the people’s dependency on government—not about creating jobs or helping those who truly need help. Nassau County, however, is defenseless against the dependency agenda as long as its residents have to spend more and more of their lives working to support the government rather than their families. More and more of them feel forced to move out of the county altogether! Yet for the 17 years he served in the county legislature, Fran Becker did not offer us a principled alternative to the Democratic Party. Instead, he gave political bosses a rubber stamp as one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, with one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, faced fiscal crisis after fiscal crisis. That is not much of an alternative to a 16-year congresswoman who has been a rubber stamp for Nancy Pelosi.
All the while, the veneer of democracy in machine politics has masked an autocracy run for the enrichment of a tiny few at the top. To sustain the system, the nomination process has been compromised by a wall of deception and intimidation that party bosses have tried to build. When it is not only policy, but also tactics, that draw a resemblance to the Democratic Party, voters are truly denied a meaningful choice. Our troops did not make the supreme sacrifice so that party bosses could use government largesse to undermine the integrity of elections.
Anyone who still thinks it would be a service to the people or the Republican Party for me to endorse Mr. Becker this year should consider that this precise scenario has already played out. In 2010, I did endorse Mr. Becker after losing the primary election and made several offers to help him. The result was, as Michael Barone observed, an election booted in Rep. McCarthy’s favor, no accountability for Chairman Mondello, and more of the same arrogant nonsense, with even more grotesque lying, in the 2012 cycle. Incredibly, even after the primary, Mr. Becker refuses to renounce his conduct, even in personal conversation. He essentially says, “Support me,” but that support would not be worth the effort of either he or the Nassau GOP leadership renouncing fraud and intimidation now or in the future. This illustrates how much political deviancy has been defined down in Nassau County, and if we do not protest this conduct, we will invite more of the same in 2014, with yet another term for Carolyn McCarthy.
Many Republicans are sickened at this situation, but I encourage them to persevere. The Republican Party is a name that represents the great American tradition of freedom and human dignity embraced by Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan. It is still producing leaders like Paul Ryan and Scott Walker who I believe are working to set the direction we need to save our country from its current crisis. Nassau County is the aberration, not the trend. Don’t let unworthy men who have hijacked the label locally continue to turn Republicans away. In the context of New York’s unique fusion party system, we need to fight on every front to take our country back. The fight must be waged from inside and outside the party. Just as it has before, my candidacy remains a vehicle by which voters can reclaim their future by telling their leaders that tomorrow will be a new day in Nassau County. In that tomorrow, those who despair that the bad guys always win shall know that here, as elsewhere in America, corruption does not pay.
##FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Akeem Mellis
Phone: (516) 881-7377
Date: August 1, 2012
Email: akeem@frankscaturro.com
The question of whether I should endorse Fran Becker for Congress normally would be simple to answer: As a proud, lifelong Republican, my standard always has been, as it shall remain, to endorse the Republican nominee barring egregious circumstances that would counsel doing otherwise. Unfortunately, this election presents such circumstances.
To support a candidate in our system, we should demand that the candidate meet a minimal standard of ethics, integrity, and respect for the law. Sadly, Mr. Becker fails this test. He lied to the people he seeks to represent and brought disgrace upon himself and the Republican Party. Any number of scandals in our history teach that character matters—that elected officials cannot operate unless they maintain a bond of trust with the people. The notorious propaganda that has been exposed as a fraud is not my opponent’s only lie, but it constituted the central argument to voters for why they should vote for him. The very essence of his campaign was a fraud. For the good of the party, as a just apology to the voters, and for the cause of unseating Carolyn McCarthy, Mr. Becker should withdraw from this race.
Consider that we face the most protracted economic downturn since the Great Depression, a fiscal disaster that has mortgaged the next generation’s future, and a congresswoman who tells us that we’re paying for what we’re spending, that unemployment creates jobs. We do not need more lies, but honest representation we can trust. My commitment to honesty is unwavering.
Another factor that makes this situation so egregious is that Mr. Becker’s is not a viable campaign, but a placeholder candidacy propped up by the Nassau GOP Chairman. His lack of interest in actually winning this congressional seat is demonstrated by the fact that it has been 20 years since he endorsed a candidate who won. He reluctantly picked Mr. Becker at the last minute after failing to persuade another elected official to run. With hardly a campaign of his own, the candidate showed contempt for the voters, acting as if the political machine would do his work for him and even refusing to debate following his substandard performance at a Hofstra University forum. I have on reliable information that as my chances of winning were recognized within the organization, Chairman Mondello asked for information that could take me down. If booting an election and trumping up a lie to destroy someone within his party’s fold is not a gross breach of trust with Republican voters, then nothing is. Mr. Becker was not a viable candidate going into this race, and his electability has been further diminished by his conduct.
After a career that included fighting battles inside and outside Congress, blowing the whistle to Congress, writing about Congress, and teaching about Congress, I stepped up to run for Congress because I am sick of the tyranny of ulterior motives and want to do my part to bring my neighbors relief from a status quo that is increasingly unbearable. The Republican Party must show that they are serious about real reform, because the Democratic Party of Carolyn McCarthy has abandoned John Kennedy’s challenge of 50 years ago to ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. Their agenda has become all about buying votes and increasing the people’s dependency on government—not about creating jobs or helping those who truly need help. Nassau County, however, is defenseless against the dependency agenda as long as its residents have to spend more and more of their lives working to support the government rather than their families. More and more of them feel forced to move out of the county altogether! Yet for the 17 years he served in the county legislature, Fran Becker did not offer us a principled alternative to the Democratic Party. Instead, he gave political bosses a rubber stamp as one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, with one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, faced fiscal crisis after fiscal crisis. That is not much of an alternative to a 16-year congresswoman who has been a rubber stamp for Nancy Pelosi.
All the while, the veneer of democracy in machine politics has masked an autocracy run for the enrichment of a tiny few at the top. To sustain the system, the nomination process has been compromised by a wall of deception and intimidation that party bosses have tried to build. When it is not only policy, but also tactics, that draw a resemblance to the Democratic Party, voters are truly denied a meaningful choice. Our troops did not make the supreme sacrifice so that party bosses could use government largesse to undermine the integrity of elections.
Anyone who still thinks it would be a service to the people or the Republican Party for me to endorse Mr. Becker this year should consider that this precise scenario has already played out. In 2010, I did endorse Mr. Becker after losing the primary election and made several offers to help him. The result was, as Michael Barone observed, an election booted in Rep. McCarthy’s favor, no accountability for Chairman Mondello, and more of the same arrogant nonsense, with even more grotesque lying, in the 2012 cycle. Incredibly, even after the primary, Mr. Becker refuses to renounce his conduct, even in personal conversation. He essentially says, “Support me,” but that support would not be worth the effort of either he or the Nassau GOP leadership renouncing fraud and intimidation now or in the future. This illustrates how much political deviancy has been defined down in Nassau County, and if we do not protest this conduct, we will invite more of the same in 2014, with yet another term for Carolyn McCarthy.
Many Republicans are sickened at this situation, but I encourage them to persevere. The Republican Party is a name that represents the great American tradition of freedom and human dignity embraced by Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan. It is still producing leaders like Paul Ryan and Scott Walker who I believe are working to set the direction we need to save our country from its current crisis. Nassau County is the aberration, not the trend. Don’t let unworthy men who have hijacked the label locally continue to turn Republicans away. In the context of New York’s unique fusion party system, we need to fight on every front to take our country back. The fight must be waged from inside and outside the party. Just as it has before, my candidacy remains a vehicle by which voters can reclaim their future by telling their leaders that tomorrow will be a new day in Nassau County. In that tomorrow, those who despair that the bad guys always win shall know that here, as elsewhere in America, corruption does not pay.
##
Frank Scaturro is a Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York’s 4th Congressional District. Frank believes our nation is at a tipping point, and if we do not turn things around, we could face many more years of decline. That is why he is offering the voters of Nassau County a real choice for principled new leadership that will finally represent the people.
As a principled new voice, Frank will work to make our Federal government accountable to the people again, reign in out-of-control spending, and reduce a crushing federal tax burden that hurts Long Island citizens and businesses.
Frank Scaturro was born in New York City in 1972 and raised in New Hyde Park following his family’s move to that community in 1973. His father, who had emigrated from Italy as a boy, was self-employed in a commercial air conditioning and refrigeration repair business for several years. He later became the supervisor of maintenance and operations at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City and then held a similar position at Chaminade High School in Mineola. His mother studied physical therapy at Nassau Community College and worked near home as a secretary at an insurance agency and several law firms. Read More
