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In June 2011, Zeldin voted against -A 8354 - the [[Marriage Equality Act (New York)|Marriage Equality Act]], which the Senate passed 33-29.<ref>[http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/a8354-2011 A8354-2011 - NY Senate Open Legislation - Enacts the Marriage Equality Act relating to ability of individuals to marry - New York State Senate<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In a statement he said, "It is my belief that marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lavers|first1=Michael|title=Fire Islanders Celebrate Passage of Marriage Equality Bill|url=http://www.edgenewyork.com/news/local/news//122206/fire_islanders_celebrate_passage_of_marriage_equality_bill|accessdate=25 June 2014|publisher=Fire Island News|date=2011-04-19}}</ref>
In June 2011, Zeldin voted against -A 8354 - the [[Marriage Equality Act (New York)|Marriage Equality Act]], which the Senate passed 33-29.<ref>[http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/a8354-2011 A8354-2011 - NY Senate Open Legislation - Enacts the Marriage Equality Act relating to ability of individuals to marry - New York State Senate<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In a statement he said, "It is my belief that marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lavers|first1=Michael|title=Fire Islanders Celebrate Passage of Marriage Equality Bill|url=http://www.edgenewyork.com/news/local/news//122206/fire_islanders_celebrate_passage_of_marriage_equality_bill|accessdate=25 June 2014|publisher=Fire Island News|date=2011-04-19}}</ref>

Zeldin has a mixed record on green energy issues. He supported tax credits for commercial buildings and residents who use green technology but was the only State Senator to vote against requiring organizations receiving public funds to buy Energy Star equipment. And in June 2012, Zeldin cast the only nay vote on a bill that would prohibit the sale or offer for sale of electric lamps that contain mercury in excess of specified amounts.The bill stated that light bulbs that contain significant amounts of mercury are an environmental hazard to waste streams. The bill passed the Senate, 58-1 [http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S7004-2011] As a result of his voting record on environmental issues, in 2012 Zeldin was given a 53% rating by New York-based environmental advocacy group EPL/Environmental Advocates.<ref>http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2011/10/zeldin-pushes-back-against-oil-slick-award/</ref><ref>[http://votesmart.org/interest-group/936/rating/6071 EPL-Environmental Advocates Rating - Project Vote Smart<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He received a rating of 28% in 2013, and 16% in 2014<ref>[http://votesmart.org/interest-group/936/rating/6608 EPL-Environmental Advocates Rating - Project Vote Smart<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>http://votesmart.org/interest-group/936/rating/7217</ref>


On January 14, 2013 Zeldin did not vote on S 2230 the [[Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act|NY SAFE Act]], a key [[Gun Control]] bill that passed the Senate 43-18.<ref>[http://votesmart.org/bill/15977/42092/110252/establishes-secure-ammunition-and-firearms-enforcement#.U0ymJVcvmSo New York S 2230 - Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement - Key Vote - Project Vote Smart<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>http://patchogue.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/zeldin-releases-statement-on-gun-legislation</ref>
On January 14, 2013 Zeldin did not vote on S 2230 the [[Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act|NY SAFE Act]], a key [[Gun Control]] bill that passed the Senate 43-18.<ref>[http://votesmart.org/bill/15977/42092/110252/establishes-secure-ammunition-and-firearms-enforcement#.U0ymJVcvmSo New York S 2230 - Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement - Key Vote - Project Vote Smart<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>http://patchogue.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/zeldin-releases-statement-on-gun-legislation</ref>

Revision as of 20:55, 15 September 2014

Lee Zeldin
Member of the New York Senate
from the 3rd district
Assumed office
2011
Preceded byBrian X. Foley
Personal details
Born (1980-01-30) January 30, 1980 (age 44)[1]
East Meadow, New York[1]
Political partyRepublican
SpouseDiana[2]
Childrentwo[2]
ResidenceShirley, New York[2]
Alma materSUNY Albany
Albany Law School[2]
Professionlawyer, politician
WebsiteOfficial website
Military service
AllegianceUnited States of America
Branch/serviceUnited States Army, US Army Reserve
Years of service2003-present
RankMajor
Battles/warsIraq War

Lee M. Zeldin (born January 30, 1980)[1] is a Republican member of the New York State Senate, representing the 3rd district.[2] He is currently running for United States Congress, in New York's 1st congressional district and he will face incumbent Tim Bishop in the general election to be held November 4, 2014.[3] Zeldin previously challenged Bishop in the 2008 1st district congressional race and was defeated by Bishop 58%-42%.[4]

Early life, education, and military service

Zeldin was raised in Shirley, New York, and graduated from William Floyd High School in 1998. He received a B.A. (cum laude) in political science from the State University of New York at Albany in 2001 and earned his Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School in May 2003.[1][2]

Upon graduation from law school, he received an Army ROTC commission as a Second Lieutenant, assigned to the Military Intelligence Corps of the United States Army. He became a member of the New York State Bar in January 2004 at the age of 23. In 2006, Zeldin was deployed to Iraq with an infantry battalion of fellow paratroopers from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division. In 2007, he transitioned from active duty to the Army Reserves where he currently serves with the rank of Major. In 2008, Zeldin started a law practice in Smithtown, New York. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Jewish War Veterans.[2]

New York Senate

Elections

In 2010, Zeldin ran for the New York Senate's 3rd district to challenge Democratic incumbent Brian X. Foley and defeated Foley 57%-43%[5]

In 2012, he won re-election to a second term, defeating Democrat Francis Genco 56%-44%.[6]

Tenure

In March 2011 He Secured Repeal of the Saltwater Fishing License Fee.[7] In August 2011, when Governor Coumo directed the DEC to Issue Refunds to New Yorkers for Saltwater Fishing Licenses, Lee Zeldin made the following Statement:"Governor Cuomo's unyielding leadership, vision and dedication is getting our state's fiscal house in order and stimulating our economy. Earlier this year, we passed a budget that successfully eliminated the fee to the recreational saltwater fishing license. And now the Governor is taking this one step further by directing the DEC to refund those individuals and businesses who purchased an annual fishing license for 2011. In addition, the new no-fee registry will continue to ensure that fishing remains free for all New Yorkers and make Long Island more attractive to tourist and businesses."[8] [9]

In June 2011, He Sponsored - S 5596 Revising The Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax, which repealed portions of the MTA payroll tax.[10][11]

In June 2011, Zeldin voted against -A 8354 - the Marriage Equality Act, which the Senate passed 33-29.[12] In a statement he said, "It is my belief that marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman."[13]

Zeldin has a mixed record on green energy issues. He supported tax credits for commercial buildings and residents who use green technology but was the only State Senator to vote against requiring organizations receiving public funds to buy Energy Star equipment. And in June 2012, Zeldin cast the only nay vote on a bill that would prohibit the sale or offer for sale of electric lamps that contain mercury in excess of specified amounts.The bill stated that light bulbs that contain significant amounts of mercury are an environmental hazard to waste streams. The bill passed the Senate, 58-1 [1] As a result of his voting record on environmental issues, in 2012 Zeldin was given a 53% rating by New York-based environmental advocacy group EPL/Environmental Advocates.[14][15] He received a rating of 28% in 2013, and 16% in 2014[16][17]

On January 14, 2013 Zeldin did not vote on S 2230 the NY SAFE Act, a key Gun Control bill that passed the Senate 43-18.[18][19]

On March 17, 2014 Zeldin voted Nay on A 2597A - the NY Dream Act[20][21]

In April 2014, Zeldin assisted in securing funding in the 2014-2015 state budget for the continuation and expansion of the PFC Joseph Dwyer PTSD Peer-to-Peer Veterans Support program.[22]

Committee assignments

  • Aging
  • Consumer Protection (Chair)
  • Higher Education, Transportation, Judiciary, Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
  • Investigations and Government Operations
  • Veterans, Military Affairs, and Homeland Security

Congressional elections

2008

See also: United States House of Representatives elections in New York, 2008 § District 1

In 2008, he challenged Democratic Congressman Tim Bishop in New York's 1st congressional district and was defeated by Bishop 58%-42%.[23]

2014

See also: United States House of Representatives elections in New York, 2014 § District 1

On October 6, 2013, Zeldin announced he would seek the Republican nomination to again run against Congressman Tim Bishop.[24] Zeldin defeated George Demos and won the Republican Party nomination[25] and ran unopposed for the Conservative Party nomination in the primary on June 24, 2014. The general election takes place November 4, 2014. Zeldin has the backing of former Congressman and House Majority leader Eric Cantor (R-VA: 2011 – 2014)[26] as well as former Congressman Allen West (R-FL: 2011-2013),[27] Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)[28] and former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA: 1995-2007).[29] He has been endorsed by the US Chamber of Commerce,[30] the National Federation of Independent Business,[31] the Suffolk County Republican Committee,[32] and Suffolk County Conservative Party Chairman Ed Walsh.[33][34]

In April 2014, when asked how he would have voted for the GOP Budget plan, Zeldin said he hadn't read the Republican budget.[35] As a result, in May 2014, a staffer for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) sent an email calling Zeldin a coward for not explaining his position on the House GOP budget.[36] A spokesman for the DCCC also posted a photo to Twitter of Zeldin's face superimposed on the body of the Cowardly Lion from the movie, The Wizard of Oz.[37] This angered Republicans.[38] Both Congressman Steve Israel and Tim Bishop later condemned the email, stating that they had not been aware of the comments to be made, and that they disagreed with them.[39][40]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Lee Zeldin's Biography". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Lee M. Zeldin". New York State Senate. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  3. ^ Pinciaro, Joseph (2014-06-25). "It's a Bishop/Zeldin rematch". Shelter Island Reporter. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  4. ^ Our Campaigns - NY - District 01 Race - Nov 04, 2008
  5. ^ Our Campaigns - NY State Senate 03 Race - Nov 02, 2010
  6. ^ Our Campaigns - NY State Senate 03 Race - Nov 06, 2012
  7. ^ http://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-lee-zeldin-secures-repeal-saltwater-fishing-license-fee
  8. ^ http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/08052011refundofsaltwaterfishinglicenses
  9. ^ "State Senator Lee M. Zeldin Joins Governor Cuomo For Ceremonial Bill Signing on the Two Year Moratorium of the Saltwater Fishing License Fee". Long Island Politics. 5 August 2011. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
  10. ^ New York S 5596 - Revising The Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax - Key Vote - Project Vote Smart
  11. ^ "MTA Pay-Roll Tax Repeal Bill Signed Into Law". Long Island Politics. 2011-12-12. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  12. ^ A8354-2011 - NY Senate Open Legislation - Enacts the Marriage Equality Act relating to ability of individuals to marry - New York State Senate
  13. ^ Lavers, Michael (2011-04-19). "Fire Islanders Celebrate Passage of Marriage Equality Bill". Fire Island News. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  14. ^ http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2011/10/zeldin-pushes-back-against-oil-slick-award/
  15. ^ EPL-Environmental Advocates Rating - Project Vote Smart
  16. ^ EPL-Environmental Advocates Rating - Project Vote Smart
  17. ^ http://votesmart.org/interest-group/936/rating/7217
  18. ^ New York S 2230 - Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement - Key Vote - Project Vote Smart
  19. ^ http://patchogue.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/zeldin-releases-statement-on-gun-legislation
  20. ^ A2597A-2013 - NY Senate Open Legislation - Enacts the New York state DREAM ACT; repealer - New York State Senate
  21. ^ Ramirez, David (2012-03-31). "New York Dream Act Proponents Increase Pressure On Governor Cuomo To Provide Budget Support". Huffington Post. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  22. ^ LaRocco, Paul (2013-10-14). "Suffolk: Bellone credits Zeldin on state PTSD program". Newsday. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  23. ^ Our Campaigns - NY - District 01 Race - Nov 04, 2008
  24. ^ Zeldin to challenge Bishop for House seat - Newsday
  25. ^ http://riverheadnewsreview.timesreview.com/2014/06/55552/zeldin-holds-early-lead-in-gop-primary/
  26. ^ Eric Cantor still on for Saturday Long Island fundraiser, Zeldin campaign says - Newsday
  27. ^ http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dc/long-island-republican-questioned-event-tea-party-favorite-west-blog-entry-1.1925152
  28. ^ http://atr.rollcall.com/mccain-takes-sides-in-house-gop-primary-in-new-york/
  29. ^ Eric Cantor to attend fundraiser for Lee Zeldin's run for Congress - Newsday
  30. ^ "Zeldin Nets Chamber Of Commerce Endorsement". NY State of Politics. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
  31. ^ "http://www.nfib.com/article/nfibny-backs-zeldin-in-hot-1st-district-65879/". National Federation of Independent Business. Retrieved 22 June 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  32. ^ Murphy, Rick (19 February 2014). "Suffolk GOP Endorses Lee Zeldin". The Independent. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
  33. ^ "Zeldin Gets Suffolk County Nod". NY State of Politics. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
  34. ^ http://www.zeldinforcongress.com/uncategorized/edwalsh
  35. ^ http://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/spin-cycle-1.812042/1st-c-d-how-zeldin-balked-at-blindly-endorsing-ryan-budget-1.7695629?firstfree=yes
  36. ^ http://jpupdates.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Screen-Shot-2014-05-15-at-9.50.39-AM.png
  37. ^ http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1798456!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_970/zeldincowardlylion-2.jpg
  38. ^ http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dc/fake-outrage-wizard-oz-long-island-blog-entry-1.1798453
  39. ^ http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/may/19/dccc-chairman-steve-israel-slams-email-sent-his-ow/
  40. ^ http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/democrats-retreat-from-coward-slam-at-zeldin-1.8049195

External links

New York State Senate

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