Jump to content

Lee Zeldin: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
mNo edit summary
No edit summary
Line 35: Line 35:
|battles = [[Iraq War]]
|battles = [[Iraq War]]
}}
}}
'''Lee M. Zeldin''' (born January 30, 1980) is the [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]] for {{ushr|NY|1}}, . He is a member of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] Party.
'''Lee M. Zeldin''' (born January 30, 1980) is the [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]] for {{ushr|NY|1}}. He is a member of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] Party.


The district includes most of Central and Eastern [[Suffolk County, New York|Suffolk County]], including most of [[Smithtown, New York|Smithtown]], as well as the entirety of the towns of [[Brookhaven, New York|Brookhaven]], [[Riverhead (town), New York|Riverhead]], [[Southold, New York|Southold]], [[Southampton (town), New York|Southampton]], [[East Hampton (town), New York|East Hampton]], and [[Shelter Island (town), New York|Shelter Island]]. The district encompasses wealthy enclaves such as [[the Hamptons]], middle-class suburban towns such as [[Selden, New York|Selden]], [[Centereach, New York|Centereach]] and [[Lake Grove, New York|Lake Grove]], working-class neighborhoods such as [[Mastic, New York|Mastic]] and [[Riverhead, New York|Riverhead]] and rural farming communities such as [[Mattituck, New York|Mattituck]] and [[Jamesport, New York|Jamesport]] on the [[North Fork, Suffolk County, New York|North Fork]].
The district includes most of Central and Eastern [[Suffolk County, New York|Suffolk County]], including most of [[Smithtown, New York|Smithtown]], as well as the entirety of the towns of [[Brookhaven, New York|Brookhaven]], [[Riverhead (town), New York|Riverhead]], [[Southold, New York|Southold]], [[Southampton (town), New York|Southampton]], [[East Hampton (town), New York|East Hampton]], and [[Shelter Island (town), New York|Shelter Island]]. The district encompasses wealthy enclaves such as [[the Hamptons]], middle-class suburban towns such as [[Selden, New York|Selden]], [[Centereach, New York|Centereach]] and [[Lake Grove, New York|Lake Grove]], working-class neighborhoods such as [[Mastic, New York|Mastic]] and [[Riverhead, New York|Riverhead]] and rural farming communities such as [[Mattituck, New York|Mattituck]] and [[Jamesport, New York|Jamesport]] on the [[North Fork, Suffolk County, New York|North Fork]].

Revision as of 19:23, 29 May 2015

Lee Zeldin
File:Lee Zeldin official congressional photo.jpg
Member of the
U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 1st district
Assumed office
January 3, 2015
Preceded byTim Bishop
Member of the New York Senate
from the 3rd district
In office
2011–2014
Preceded byBrian X. Foley
Succeeded byThomas D. Croci
Personal details
Born (1980-01-30) January 30, 1980 (age 44)
East Meadow, New York
Political partyRepublican
SpouseDiana[1]
Childrentwo[2]
ResidenceShirley, New York[1]
Alma materSUNY Albany (BA)
Albany Law School (JD)
ProfessionLawyer, Politician
WebsiteOfficial website
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Years of service2003–present
RankMajor
Battles/warsIraq War

Lee M. Zeldin (born January 30, 1980) is the U.S. Representative for New York's 1st congressional district. He is a member of the Republican Party.

The district includes most of Central and Eastern Suffolk County, including most of Smithtown, as well as the entirety of the towns of Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southold, Southampton, East Hampton, and Shelter Island. The district encompasses wealthy enclaves such as the Hamptons, middle-class suburban towns such as Selden, Centereach and Lake Grove, working-class neighborhoods such as Mastic and Riverhead and rural farming communities such as Mattituck and Jamesport on the North Fork.

Early life

Zeldin was born on January 30, 1980, the son of Merrill Schwartz and David Zeldin.He 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. He became a member of the New York State Bar in January 2004 at the age of 23.

New York Senate

Elections

In 2010 Zeldin ran in the New York Senate's 3rd district to challenge Democratic incumbent Brian X. Foley and defeated Foley 57%-43%. During a “Women for Foley” rally, a group of Zeldin supporters protested the Women’s Rally by waving the Confederate battle flag, along with pro-Zeldin and pro-Carl Paladino signs. Protesters reportedly made obscene gestures at women entering the rally while yelling anti-Brian Foley, anti-Andrew Cuomo rhetoric.[3][4][5] There is no indication that Zeldin's campaign had any association with the protesters or knowledge of their activities until after the fact. Zeldin's campaign quickly released a statement stating that they do not condone the use of the Confederate flag, nor do they support the actions and antics of the protester who was photographed at the rally.[6][7]

In 2012, he won re-election to a second term, defeating Democrat Francis Genco 56%–44%.[8]

Tenure

In March 2011 he secured repeal of the saltwater fishing license fee.[9] In August 2011, when Governor Cuomo 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."[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]

In March 2012, Zeldin created the PFC Joseph Dwyer PTSD Peer-to-Peer Veterans Support program as part of the 2012–2013 New York State Budget.[14][15]

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.[16][17]

Zeldin has a mixed record on green energy issues.[18] 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 [2] 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.[19][20] He received a rating of 28% in 2013, and 16% in 2014[21][22]

On March 17, 2014 Zeldin voted Nay on A 2597A - the NY Dream Act[23][24]

U.S. Congress

2008 Election

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%.[25]

2014 Election

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.[26] Zeldin defeated George Demos and won the Republican Party nomination[27] and ran unopposed for the Conservative Party nomination in the primary on June 24, 2014. Zeldin had the backing of former Congressman and House Majority leader Eric Cantor (R-VA: 2011 – 2014)[28] as well as former Congressman Allen West (R-FL: 2011-2013),[29] Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)[30] and former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA: 1995-2007).[31][32] He was endorsed by the US Chamber of Commerce,[33] the National Federation of Independent Business,[34] the Suffolk County Republican Committee,[35] and Suffolk County Conservative Party Chairman Ed Walsh.[36][37][38] On November 4, 2014, Zeldin defeated Bishop in the election to represent New York's First Congressional District in the United States Congress.[39]

n April 2014, when asked how he would have voted for the GOP Budget plan, Zeldin said he hadn't read the Republican budget.[40] As a result, in May 2014, a staffer for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) sent an email questioning if Zeldin is a coward for not explaining his position on the House GOP budget[41] 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.[42] This angered Republicans.[43] 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.[44][45]

Legislation

On February 27, 2015, Zeldin introduced his first bill in the House of Representatives. H.R.1187 would give the VA discretion to adjust how much money is approved for veterans seeking home loans under the department’s home loan program. The agency would have the authority to adjust for areas with higher costs of living such as Long Island.[46]

Personal life

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. 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 Reserve 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. He is married to Diana Zeldin, and they have twin daughters.

References

  1. ^ a b "Lee M. Zeldin". New York State Senate. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  2. ^ http://41.media.tumblr.com/a44be35a09b1216c65547dd68af84818/tumblr_n5nt1uDHms1tbvt9ao1_500.jpg
  3. ^ "Lee Zeldin- Not On Our Side". YouTube.
  4. ^ "Suffolk County Stands Up Against Extremists". longislandexchange.com.
  5. ^ "Our Campaigns - NY State Senate 03 Race - Nov 02, 2010". ourcampaigns.com.
  6. ^ "GOP Senate Hopefuls Distance Themselves From Paladino (Updated)". NY State of Politics. October 11, 2010. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
  7. ^ Epstein, Reid (October 11, 2010). "3rd S.D.: Zeldin 'does not condone' Confederate flag (update)". Newsday.
  8. ^ "Our Campaigns – NY State Senate 03 Race – Nov 06, 2012". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  9. ^ "Senator Lee Zeldin Secures Repeal of the Saltwater Fishing License Fee". nysenate.gov.
  10. ^ "Governor Cuomo Directs DEC to Issue Refunds to New Yorkers for Saltwater Fishing Licenses". Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.
  11. ^ "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. August 5, 2011. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  12. ^ "A8354-2011 - NY Senate Open Legislation - Enacts the Marriage Equality Act relating to ability of individuals to marry - New York State Senate". nysenate.gov. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  13. ^ Lavers, Michael (April 19, 2011). "Fire Islanders Celebrate Passage of Marriage Equality Bill". Fire Island News. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  14. ^ [1]
  15. ^ LaRocco, Paul (October 14, 2013). "Suffolk: Bellone credits Zeldin on state PTSD program". Newsday. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  16. ^ "Project Vote Smart - The Voter's Self Defense System". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  17. ^ "Zeldin Releases Statement on Gun Legislation". Patchogue, New York Patch.
  18. ^ "State Senate Dems Raising Green Off Green Issues". NY Daily News.
  19. ^ "Zeldin Pushes Back Against 'Oil Slick' Award". nystateofpolitics.com.
  20. ^ "Project Vote Smart - The Voter's Self Defense System". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  21. ^ "Project Vote Smart - The Voter's Self Defense System". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  22. ^ http://votesmart.org/interest-group/936/rating/7217
  23. ^ "A2597A-2013 - NY Senate Open Legislation - Enacts the New York state DREAM ACT; repealer - New York State Senate". nysenate.gov. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  24. ^ Ramirez, David (March 31, 2012). "New York Dream Act Proponents Increase Pressure On Governor Cuomo To Provide Budget Support". Huffington Post. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  25. ^ "Our Campaigns – NY – District 01 Race – Nov 04, 2008". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  26. ^ "Zeldin to challenge Bishop for House seat". Newsday. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  27. ^ "Zeldin holds early lead in GOP primary". timesreview.com.
  28. ^ "Eric Cantor still on for Saturday Long Island fundraiser, Zeldin campaign says - Newsday". Newsday. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  29. ^ "Long Island Republican Questioned Over Event with Tea Party Favorite West". NY Daily News.
  30. ^ "McCain Takes Sides in House GOP Primary in New York". At the Races.
  31. ^ http://www.spreadingsantorum.com/
  32. ^ "Eric Cantor to attend fundraiser for Lee Zeldin's run for Congress". Newsday. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  33. ^ "Zeldin Nets Chamber Of Commerce Endorsement". NY State of Politics. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  34. ^ "http://www.nfib.com/article/nfibny-backs-zeldin-in-hot-1st-district-65879/". National Federation of Independent Business. Retrieved June 22, 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  35. ^ Murphy, Rick (February 19, 2014). "Suffolk GOP Endorses Lee Zeldin". The Independent. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  36. ^ "Edward Walsh, Conservative Party chief, to be charged with fraud, sources say - Newsday". Newsday. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  37. ^ "Zeldin Gets Suffolk County Nod". NY State of Politics. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  38. ^ http://www.zeldinforcongress.com/uncategorized/edwalsh
  39. ^ LaRocco, Paul (November 5, 2014). "Lee Zeldin Defeats Tim Bishop, Kathleen Rice Wins Over Bruce Blakeman for Congress". Newsday. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  40. ^ "1st C.D.: How Zeldin balked at 'blindly' endorsing Ryan budget". Newsday.
  41. ^ http://jpupdates.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Screen-Shot-2014-05-15-at-9.50.39-AM.png
  42. ^ http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1798456!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_970/zeldincowardlylion-2.jpg
  43. ^ "Fake Outrage and the Wizard of Oz on Long Island". NY Daily News.
  44. ^ "DCCC's Steve Israel slams own committee for email calling Republican 'coward' - Washington Times". The Washingtion Times. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  45. ^ "Democrats retreat from 'coward' slam at Zeldin". Newsday.
  46. ^ http://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/spin-cycle/rice-and-zeldin-file-first-bills-aimed-at-aiding-vets-1.10068978. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
New York State Senate
Preceded by New York State Senate, 3rd District
2011–2013 		Succeeded by
Unknown
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 1st congressional district
January 3, 2015 – present 		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by United States Representatives by seniority
431st 		Succeeded by

Template:Members of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York

Template:Persondata

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lee_Zeldin&oldid=664602816"