Rangel (D)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Record in Office

Currently: United States Representative for New York's 13th Congressional District (1970-present)

Previous Work: Attorney; United States Army 1948-1952; New York State Assemblyman, 1967-70.

Education: B.S., NYU School of Commerce, 1957; L.L.B., St. John's University School of Law, 1960.

On the Issues

• Civil Rights↓

  "...[E]nsuring equal opportunity and tolerance in our society is very important to me. I believe we should respect everybody regardless of race, gender, religion, nationality, and sexual orientation."

• Economy↓

  Supports minimum wage at $10.10, as that is an achievable number.³

  Proposes "a national policy to make certain that our young people can go to college, [and] shouldn't have to pay for it."⁴

  "I believe Congress has an obligation to support those who lost their jobs through no fault of their own, not only to save our economy, but also to mitigate the impact unemployment has on them and their families."

  "...I reject the idea that the future of hard-working Americans should be subject to the volatility of financial markets..."

  "...to strengthen our economy, we must create new, good-paying jobs. By extending enhanced expense limits for small businesses and keeping more generous depreciation rules in effect, the recovery legislation will help businesses invest in themselves, allowing them to grow and create new jobs."

  "One of the parts of things to increase jobs, of course, is to extend the unemployment compensation for the 3 million people that through no fault of their own have not been able to keep their job."

  "...I was proud to stand with my Democratic Colleagues in passing the HIRE Act to provide a payroll tax credit for companies that hire employees who have been looking for work for 60 days or more. We continue to fight for extension of unemployment insurance benefits and payroll tax cuts that could save an average of $ 1000 million of American families."

  "We also provide businesses with incentives to hire recently discharged, unemployed veterans and disconnected youth so we can reincorporate them into our communities and grow together."

• Education↓

  "I introduced the Rebuilding America's Schools Act which would increase aid for school construction and renovation across the country."

  "We should provide the resources so that state legislators...would be able to determine which [education] policies work for our great state, and which policies don't... but the fact of the matter is we don't have a national goal that we should be achieving."⁴

  "If you give the right resources, the right salaries, the right respect to our teachers, they can teach...the question of which policy we should have is certainly not a national issue."⁴

  Opposes school vouchers.³

  Supports schools providing food for children who cannot afford it.³

  Proposes "a national policy to make certain that our young people can go to college, [and] shouldn't have to pay for it."⁴

  "...I proudly support the American College and Tax Relief Act, an amendment to continue the College Tuition Tax Deduction. This bill will extend the critical college tuition tax deduction for a full four years and help make college education more affordable to America's families."

  Supports the DREAM Act, which "would allow 360,000 high school graduates who are undocumented with a legal means to work and attend college in the United States, and provide incentives for another 715,000 children of illegal immigrants between the ages of 5 and 17 to finish high school and pursue higher education."

• Environment↓

  "I remain strongly dedicated in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing fuel economy standards so we can protect the air that we breathe and the water that we drink."

  "...we must make continuous efforts to fight mercury contamination and other forms of pollution to our water sources."

• Foreign Policy↓

  "It is important that America reaches out to the international community in order to forge stronger relationships with our allies and build new ones with developing countries. Our country must continue to foster respectful friendships, fair diplomatic assistance, and humanitarian aid."⁶

  "For America to continue to stand as the moral leader of the free world we must lead by example."⁶

  Iraq: "Absolutely [does] not [support President Obama's resolution for airstrikes and boots on the ground and special forces] ... [but maybe] I'd reconsider if we enacted a draft where anybody would be subject to going to Iraq but I would only do that symbolically because it's not going to pass, it is time for us to pull out and see who our friends are internationally; see if we can regain our credibility with our neighbors and try to work out something. When it comes to the point that we lost all of those lives in Iraq, that diplomats are now considering asking Iran for support, it really shows that allowing our country to go to war without getting the consent of the Congress, without knowing the facts, it is not a constitutional way that we should be preforming. I feel so sad as a veteran that I go to these funerals and I find it very very difficult to explain why we're there."⁷

  Afghanistan: "It is now time to end the war in Afghanistan... We should now devote our energy and resources towards rebuilding the economy and ensuring a smooth transition into civilian life for out returning heroes."

  Cuba: "I have worked hard in Congress to mend the relationship between Cuba and the United States with a series of legislation over the years. One of the bills, the Export Freedom to Cuba Act, would end travel restriction to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents. ... [I]t is time to reopen the diplomatic and economic doors between our two countries."

  Korea: "My bill H. Res 376 - Calling for Repatriation of POW/MIAs and Abductees in North Korea, was passed unanimously by Congress. ... The resolution encourages North Korea to repatriate any prisoner of war they have held captive since the Korean War and calls upon the U.S. government to resume search and recovery operations in North Korea which was suspended in 2005. The resolution also calls for the repatriation of South Korean civilians who were forcibly taken into North Korea during the War."

• Health↓

  "I support a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, universal, and driven less by profits and more for the people. The [Affordable Care Act] ensures that insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage to patients based on pre-existing conditions. ... The ACA won't solve all of these problems overnight, but it's an important step forward. By making health coverage more affordable and accessible and thus increasing the number of Americans with coverage, by funding community-based public health and prevention programs, and by supporting research and tracking on key health measures, the ACA will begin to reduce disparities, improve access to preventive care, and improve health outcomes and reduce the nation's health spending."⁶

  "We should not cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans at the expense of gutting the lifeline that helps millions of Americans to survive. I promise to continue opposing any budget proposals that undermine Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid."

  Sponsored the following legislation:

  • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010), aka "Obamacare."
  • James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (2010), which "amends the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, and for other purposes."

  "...it is crucial that we do not cut federal funding for HIV/AIDS research. Life-saving medications and breakthroughs require bolstered support from the National Institutes of Health and Congress."

  "Working in coordination with religious leaders and federal, state, and local officials, we drafted legislation that aims to combat new HIV infections and promote awareness within the African American community."

• Housing↓

  "I have fought to ensure that tenants and prospective New York City residents are provided with proper support needed to finance affordable housing, while strengthening the quality and accessibility of our housing market."

  "In Congress, we are continuously trying to expand affordable housing opportunities for working families at risk of losing their homes."

  "The day of luxury housing in the city of New York should be over...what we really have to do is put a moratorium on luxury housing and to make certain we have zoning only for affordable housing. ... no 80-20."¹ 

  "Make certain when you talk about building, you only talk about affordable housing and not back door type affordable housing"¹

  "Anything above 30% of someone's income and wages let that subsidy come from the federal and state government so that we can not just create affordable housing, but we will have tenants that can afford pay..."¹ 

  "If we make certain that the city and state acquire the property for the sole purpose of affordable housing, if we make certain that the tax structure is such that no one has to pay over 1/3rd of their income for rent."¹

  "I say we should have 100% affordable [housing]."²

  "Nobody should have to pay more than 30% of their income in rent."²

• Immigration↓

  "Orderly and controlled borders, combined with an effective immigration system designed to meet our needs are important pillars of a healthy and robust economy."

  "We're not sending 11 million people back home, they're here and they're gonna stay here, so whatever we can do, even in the Department of Justice, we should do it."¹

  "Having people taken away in the middle of the night with or without due process, knowing not who they are, knowing not what violations they be, is unacceptable to the Congress and to the Democrats there... we should know who's being deported and for what."⁴

  "If you're born there, especially if you have no country to go back to, you should be entitled to all the rights and privileges of the country in which you were born."⁴

  "...my Democratic Colleagues and I will continue to fight for the passage of the DREAM Act..."

  On municipal I.D.: "Anything that allows hardworking people to negotiate through life is good."¹

• Infrastructure↓

  "Congress must ... fulfill its obligation to the American taxpayers to ensure public safety. While we cannot stop Mother Nature from wreaking havoc in our communities, lawmakers must do what we can to invest in sustainable infrastructure that will insure against preventable harm." (Time) 

  On who should pay for repairing infrastructure: "The Federal Government has the basic responsibility for interstate and international commerce."¹

  Supports President Obama's "fiscal year 2015 budget request, which ... includes proposals aimed at enhancing the role of private capital in U.S. infrastructure investment, ... calls for the creation of an independent government ... financing vehicle, ... [and] enactment of the America Fast Forward Bonds program and other tax incentives to attract new sources of capital..." (Time) 

  Sponsored the following legislation:

  • American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (2009), "which provided a total of $105.3 billion in funding for infrastructure investment, and saved or created a total of 6.4 million jobs through 2012)." (Riverdale Press)
  • Tax Relief Act (1997), which "first enacted" "the Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) tax credits for school renovation and repair." (Riverdale Press)
  • "I have introduced a bill to allow mayors...to start programs that the President of the United States wants, infrastructure building is an investment and creation of jobs. A handful of republicans are stopping it from doing just that."¹

• Military and Veteran Affairs↓

  "I am committed to giving the brave servicemen and women of today the same opportunity I had to make a change. I firmly believe adequate health and medical care for our veterans are not privileges but sacred rights we must honor."⁶

  Sponsored the following legislation:

  • Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act (2012)(authored), which gives veterans access to telemedicine, to expand mental health treatment.
  • Universal National Service Act (2013)(authored), "commonly known as the 'draft' bill, which mandates two years of nation service for all adults 19 to 42 in any capacity that promotes our nation defense."
  • Hispanic American Heroes Resolution (2007), which "recognizes the men and women who fought and sacrificed for our nation."6
  • Korean War Veterans Recognition Act (2009), which "amends title 4 of the United States Code to encourage the display of the US flag on National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day."⁶

  Voted for:

  • HR 2642 GI Bill, Funding for Midwest Flood Cleanup, Extension of Unemployment Benefits, and Other Provisions (passed House 2008), which "provides that active duty veterans who served after September 11, 2001, are entitled to full scholarship for in-state tuition at a public university, a stipend for books and supplies, and a monthly housing stipend. It is transferable to spouses and children of service members who have served at least six years. Those who agree to serve four more may transfer 18 to 36 months."⁶

  "Congress has a responsibility to provide our veterans with the best medical care, which can be further expanded through access to telemedicine."⁶

  "I firmly believe adequate health and medical care for our veterans are not privileges but sacred rights we must honor."

• Policing and Criminal Justice↓

  "...our prison system is a revolving door, leaving many without the ample skill or support necessary to become productive members of society."

  "Locking up people to punish them not to rehab them is a waste of money, life its immoral to do it."¹ 

  "...we should focus our law enforcement efforts away from drug addicts and small-time dealers onto the big-time drug kingpins who supply them."

  Supports restrictions on gun manufacturers.³

  "One of my bills, the Crack-Cocaine Equitable Sentencing Act helps put an end to the disparity in sentencing for cocaine offenses. Law enforcement and even judges on the bench are balking at the 100-to-1 inequity in sentencing that slaps the same 5-year sentence for possessing 5 grams of crack cocaine as is mandated for possessing 500 grams of powder cocaine."

  "My bill, the Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act will ... Invest resources in a consortium of services proven to keep ex-offenders on the right path [and] Address the prevalence of substance abuse and poor mental health among ex-offenders."

  "I introduced the Ex-Offenders Voting Rights Act, which aims to grant full voting rights for those who have been convicted of a criminal offense. I will continue to be a strong advocate for sentencing and prison reform as it is vital to be a voice for so many who are silenced."

Endorsements

Organizations: CSA, 1199/SEIU, all three AFSCME - affiliated unions DC 37, DC 1707 and CSEA, Teamsters Local 237, Uniformed Fire Officers Association, New York State Association of Letter Carriers, Plumbers Union, Local 1 and many clubs throughout Manhattan and the Bronx, including the William Jefferson Clinton Democrats, Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, Three Parks Independent Democrats, Broadway Democrats, Tioga Carver Democrats, Frederick E. Samuel Democratic Club and West Harlem Progressive Democrats, The Amsterdam News, Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, Amsterdam News, The Daily News.

Individuals: Governor Andrew Cuomo, President Clinton, Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Congresswoman Pelosi, Congressman Jerry Nadler, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Congressman Greg Meeks, Congressman Joe Crowley, Congresswoman Grace Meng, Congressman Luis Gutiérrez, Assemblymember Keith Wright, Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell, former Assemblymember (and 2010 opponent) Adam Clayton Powell IV, Councilmember Inez Dickens, former Councilmember Robert Jackson, NYC Public Advocate Letitia James, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Congressman John Lewis, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Donald Payne Jr., Congressman Al Green, Congressman Steve Israel, State Senator Bill Perkins, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, former Manhattan Borough President Virginia Fields, 2012 opponent Clyde Williams. 

Record in Office

Charlie Rangel currently serves as United States Representative for New York's 13th Congressional District, since 1970.

US Congress Committee Assignments: House Committee on Ways and Means; Subcommittee on Trade (Ranking Member); Joint Committee on Taxation.

US Congress Caucuses: Congressional Black Caucus (Founding Member); Out-of-Iraq Caucus (Founding Member); Army Caucus; African Trade and Investment Caucus (Co-Chair); Progressive Caucus; Bipartisan Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus; Africa Partnership for Economic Growth Caucus; 21st Century Health Care Caucus; Afterschool Caucus; Bicameral Caucus on Parkinson's Disease; Bipartisan Taskforce on Alzheimer's Disease; Arts Caucus; Boating Caucus; Caribbean Caucus; Caucus for Women's Issues; Caucus on Armenian Issues; Caucus on Community Health Centers; Caucus on Hellenic issues; Caucus on India and Indian Americans; Coalition on Adoption; Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus; Fire Services Caucus; Human Rights Caucus; Kidney Caucus; Labor and Working Families Caucus; Real Estate Caucus; Refugee Caucus; Cancer Action Caucus; Navy/Marine Corps Caucus; Rural Housing Caucus.

Censure and Appeal: In 2010, following a House ethics trial, Rangel was censured by the U.S. Congress for the ethics violation of not disclosing rental income. He is currently appealing to overturn the censure, on the grounds that it violated his due process rights.

 * Photo from Rangel's U.S. Congress site

Espaillat (D)

	Adriano Espaillat (D)
	Campaign Website Facebook - Campaign Facebook - Individual Twitter

On the Issues

Endorsements

Record in Office

Currently: New York State Senator for the 31st Senate District (2010-present)

Previous Work: New York State Assembly (D, WF – 72nd District) 1997-2010; Project Right Start (Director) 1994-1996; Washington Heights Victims Services Community Office (Director) 1992-1994; Community Planning Board 12 (Executive board member); 34th Precinct Community Council (President); Minority Program Development Chair (State Senate); New York County Democratic Committee (District Leader 72A)

Education: B.S. Political Science, Queens College, 1978; Graduate Degree in Public Administration, NYU

On the Issues

• Economy↓

  "I will go and make sure that regulatory practices that are important to ensure that banks and the financial institutions don't engage in risky business that will keep the taxpayer on the hook, that those kinds of regulations are kept strong and that our economy can move forward."⁷

  Proposes to make those under the poverty line "eligible for food stamps, medicaid, Section 8...the tax payer we have to subsidize these companies on their benefits packages for their workers."⁷

  Supports minimum wage at $15.³

  Supports subsidies for local initatives: "I look forward to the Kingsbridge Armory project, spurring [economic growth through the sports venue, bringing people into the community to spend dollars]."⁵

  Supports the following proposals to aid small businesses:

  • "shift the empowerment zone model from the big box stores" by "taking the $3000 tax credit that is given to big box stores...and double it and give it to small businesses" so that small businesses get "a $6000 tax credit for every local job that they create."³
  • help reduce cost of business by reducing individual small business' electric bills.³
  • rent regulation via binding arbitration: "when a lease is up the small business owner will be able to before an arbiter, before the landlord, and they will decide together the cost of the rent based on market value."⁴

• Education↓

  "I would like to see a portfolio based assessment approach to learning while at the same time keeping very high standards."⁵

  "At the core of our academic failure I think is lack of language proficiency in our city...for ELLs [English Language Learners] we must have immersion programs to ensure that they have the proficiency of the language as quickly as possible and then they'll be able to take [high state tests]."⁵

  Will not consider privatization of public schools.¹

  "We need to increase funding for all education possibilities."¹

• Foreign Policy↓

  Iraq: "I would like to see a multi-national UN-led peace-keeping force that will stabilize the country so that we can avoid the conflict we're seeing on the front page of the papers...it's horrendous what's happening in that part of the world in Iraq and we should not go at it alone, it should be a peace keeping force that will stay on the ground, stabilize the situation and see whether or not the country is ready to go back on track...and guarantee the safety of its citizens without the kind of slaughter and carnage we've been seeing on TV." The peace-keeping force "could include US troops, but it's not a war it's a peace keeping force, UN-led with several countries and allies across the world that want to see that that part of the region is stabilized."⁷

• Health↓

  "The Affordable Care Act begins to wrestle with [the] reality [that health care costs were ballooning]. The fact that the Affordable Care Act allows you to have your children, until the age of 27, in the plan that doesn't take into consideration any existing conditions [is highly valuable]."

  Supports the following changes to the ACA and its implementation:

  • expanding coverage to "the undocumented [who] are not covered, those 12 million people will go to the emergency room somewhere and that was part of the problem before."⁵
  • "take care of dental hygiene and dental care, which is an important part of your physical health as well."⁵
  • "expand the number of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in the district, so our community has access to medical providers who speak our languages, understand our cultures, and know how difficult it can be for low-income families to find the time to seek out care."

  "...will work to adjust funding based on more appropriate geographic measures than statewide levels to ensure our district gets the assistance it needs."

  "...will push to prioritize federal research, education and grant funding towards targeting low-income communities of color.

• Homeland Security↓

  "I'm terrified when my daughter has to take the subway to go to work."¹ 

  "We should be considering greater resources for the waterfront part of the city, for the infrastructure part of the city, for our water and subway tunnels."

  "I don't think we are doing enough in terms of allocating resources for that purpose."

• Housing↓

  "Public investment should go towards low-income housing for vulnerable New Yorkers, not to billionaires living in luxury apartments."

  "...property owners who have broken their commitment to providing tenants with safe conditions should be ineligible for government investment."

  "...will fight for renewed funding to address mold and other unsafe conditions that NYCHA tenants are grappling with. He will continue to push for NYCHA reform measures to empower tenants and bring greater accountability to the agency."

  "...expand the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to further benefit our community. By increasing the percentage of units in LIHTC-funded buildings reserved for households with income 50% or 60% below our area's median income, we can bring more affordable housing to vulnerable New Yorkers in need."

  "Make sure that HUD and the federal governments comes back with a vigorous attitude that they had in the past investing in the immediate development of affordable housing."¹

  "The HUD block grant program is lower right now in terms of funding then it was when President Gerald Ford was in office."²

  "I would like to propose that the 207th Street railyard be looked at as a potential site for major development of affordable housing and a tech center for young people.

  "There is no question that unless the federal government steps in and becomes a full partner in developing new units of affordable housing we won't be able to [create and preserve affordable housing]....HUD must step in with dollars and plans...I believe in a 40/30/30 model where you have 40 percent market rate, 30 percent middle class rate for the teacher, the firefighter, and another 30 percent for affordable housing. And I think banks will finance those projects."⁵

• Government Accountability↓

  On 4/12/14 Senator Espaillat criticized Congressman Rangel for not opening a district office in the Bronx section his district, which he had promised to do upon reelection in 2012. Senator Espaillat's campaign manager released this statement: "Senator Adriano Espaillat knows the importance of unifying the District and will finally open a long overdue Bronx District Office when he becomes the next Congressmember for the 13th."

  "We want to take money out of politics, the way to do it is to support campaign finance reform."¹

  "I will implement participatory budget, so you the people will determine what happens with the money that's coming from Washington"¹

  "I'm very much in support of participatory budgeting. ... We need participatory budgeting in the empowerment zone process."²

• Immigration↓

  Advocates fast-tracking family reunification.

  "Deportation should be stopped immediately, 1000 people a day, this is a terrible situation that's ripping families apart."

  "I will go directly to President Obama and say let's stop the deportations...I would also ask administratively for some initiative to take place so that family reunification is really expedited."⁵

• Infrastructure↓

  "[Infrastructure] is not just a jobs creation problem, it is a homeland security issue."¹

• Military and Veterans Affairs↓

  Military Conscription: "I would advocate for a draft, I think that a draft is a great equalizer of the sons and daughters of rich folks, middle class folks, and poor folks and working class families who will be able to have the privilege and the honor to live in our country."⁷

• Policing and Criminal Justice↓

  "In New York State, we must pass common-sense gun safety measures like mandatory renewal requirements of firearm licenses; micro-stamping ammunition so criminals can be easier to track and deter; and enhanced scrutiny for mentally unstable individuals seeking guns.

  "Of course, gun violence does not stop at state borders. The federal government must end its failure and pass legislation banning assault weapons once and for all. While progressive states like New York have relatively strong gun laws, the patchwork of laws around the country allowing guns to travel easily between states is clearly an underlying factor in this broken system." (State Senator's Press Release)

  "We must totally revamp the criminal justice system."¹

  "I worked to to providing alternative incarceration services before I got into power. I'm talking alternative incarceration services for non violent crimes."¹

  "We should have specialized drug courts that would handle minimum mandatory sentences."¹

  "The Federal Government should adopt a form of the Rockefeller Drug Law reform that we are accomplishing in New York State."¹

  Supports increasing police presence in NYCHA housing and on dangerous streets.⁴

  Proposes to prevent criminal activity in young people by providing them with technology training.⁴

• Technology↓

  Proposes the creation of a tech center at the Inwood Rail Yard that will provide young people with technology training and keep them away from crime.⁴

• Transportation↓

  Proposes to "modernize federal transportation formulas that unfairly favor highway appropriations at urban America's expense. Transportation funding formulas must be altered to support the transit, bicyclist, and pedestrian infrastructure driving urban growth throughout the country." 

Endorsements

Organizations: Working Families Party (WFP), Communications Workers of America District 1 (CWA), Hotel and Motel Trades Council (HTC), United Federation of Teachers (UFT), District Council 9 IUPAT (DC 9), Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), Transport Workers Union Local 100 (TWU) and the Laundry & Distribution workers affiliate of Workers United SEIU (Workers United), the Barack Obama Democratic Club of Upper Manhattan, Democratic Club of El Barrio & East Harlem, Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City, Gay & Lesbian Independent Democrats, El Diario La Prensa, New York Times.

Individuals: New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, former New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson, former New York City Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Bronx County Democratic Party Chair and Assemblymember Carl E. Heastie (AD -83); Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.; Senators Brad Hoylman (SD-27) Jeffrey D. Klein (SD-34) and Gustavo Rivera (SD-33), Assemblymembers Karim Camara (AD-43), Robert Rodriguez (AD-68), Gabriela Rosa (AD-72), José Rivera (AD-73), Mark Gjonaj (AD-80) Jeffrey Dinowitz (AD-81), and Victor Pichardo (AD-86); Councilmembers Mark Levine (CD-7), Ydanis Rodriguez (CD-10), Andrew Cohen (CD-11), Ritchie Torres (CD-15), Julissa Ferreras (CD-21).

Record in Office

Adriano Espaillat currently serves as New York State Senator for the 31st Senate District, since 2010-present

NYS Senate Committee and Subcommittee assignments: Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development (Ranking Member); Committee on Environmental Conservation; Committee on Codes; Committee on Finance; Committee on Higher Education; Committee on Development; Committee on Insurance; Judiciary Committee;

NYS Senate Caucuses: Puerto Rican/Latino Caucus (Chair); The New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus.

 * Photo from Espaillat's NYS Senate profile

Grimm (R, I, C)

On the Issues

Record in Office

Currently: United States Representative for New York's 11th Congressional District (2010-present)

Previous Work: United States Marine; FBI Special Agent; Principal, Bio-fuel Company; Founder, Small Health Food Restaurant.

Education: Graduated, Federal Police Officer Training Program, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center;  J.D., New York School of Law, 2002;  B.B.A., Accountancy, Baruch College, CUNY 1994.

On the Issues

• Economy↓

  "...tax and spend policies put forth by President Obama have failed. From the healthcare law to unachievable EPA standards... regulations coming out of the Obama Administration are hurting the small businesses of Staten Island and Brooklyn and keeping them from growing and creating jobs."

  "...businesses are hit even harder from outrageous tolls and local regulations that have made permit requirements, inspections and fines spiral so far out of control that it's impossible for our businesses to survive. Taxing and over-regulating our local businesses is not an impetus for job creation, and I remain committed to doing all I can to reduce this burden on a federal level"

  "...we must do better to get our economy on track. In Congress, I have continuously voted for pro-jobs bills that cut red tape and create an environment for job and businesses growth.  By getting big government out of the way, this law will increase access to capital to businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as reduce the uncertainty coming out of Washington.

  "...I have a strong record supporting fair and competitive wages as well as work agreements that protect our workforce."

  "Finally, as a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I understand that the financial services industry is a key employer of my constituents, both directly and indirectly. That is why I continue to support policies that allow the private sector to thrive and contribute to our local economy, as well as support provisions that overturn the over-reaching policies of Dodd-Frank that are crushing our financial industry and slowing economic growth."

• Environment↓

  "I introduced the NYC Natural Gas Supply Enhancement Act which was signed into law."

  "This costs nothing in taxpayer dollars, will create almost 300 local construction jobs, generate approximately $265 million in construction activity, and lower the cost of energy by bringing clean, affordable energy to the residents of New York City."

  "...I have supported [legislative initiatives] to protect wildlife, promote renewable energy resources and independence, and combat carbon pollution in a fair and sensible manner."

• Foreign Policy↓

  "As the current crisis in Iraq proves all too well, the United States is losing ground to our enemies, alienating our allies, and is increasingly unable to maintain our leadership role in the world stage. This dire situation didn't happen by accident; rather it's a consequence of our president's failure to lead and to develop a comprehensive foreign policy to meet the challenges of our volatile world. We see the president reacting, time and time again, to one crisis after another, giving us a laundry list of what he's not going to do, but never what he actually plans to do. ...
  Our president needs to remember that the world looks to the United States for our guidance and stability, and after countless displays of weakness and no comprehensive foreign policy, we have lost the faith of our allies and credibility with our rivals. When we fail to lead it empowers our enemies, it creates a vacuum too often filled by radicals. We failed to lead in Syria, allowing Vladimir Putin to to take the lead, and in return he decided to invade our Ukrainian allies. Now the administration is potentially looking to Iran to bail us out in Iraq, the biggest supporter of terrorism on the face of the earth. This is simply not an option, as Iran still remains one of our greatest threats. Enough is enough, the world needs us to lead.
  As President Reagan said, 'We cannot shirk our responsibility as the leader of the free world, we maintain the peace through our strength.' Our president must have the strength of conviction to start proactively fostering the blessings of a free world. Those very blessings that our parents and grandparents, some who fought in WWII and some who fought in Korea, fought so valiently to secure. When I visit with my fellow veterans at the VFWs and the American Legions, I see the pain in their eyes. Whether they served with my grandpa or in Vietnam, or recently returned from Afghanistan or Iraq, they all agree that our country needs a new direction, as we are headed down the wrong track."

  Israel:"...as the co-chairman of the House Republican Israel Caucus ... I have championed a number of pro-Israel measures including a strong U.S.-Israeli missile defense agreement, and have consistently opposed any proposal to reduce foreign aid and defense resources to Israel. In addition, I have worked to secure investment in the U.S.-Israel Energy Cooperation Program, an innovative opportunity for American and Israeli universities to coordinate on alternative energy production..."

  "In addition, as a proud member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, I have sought to defend Israel not only from security threats, but from unjust defamation and prejudice by firmly calling for the revocation and rejection of the 'Goldstone Report'."

• Homeland Security↓

  "I believe that we must take greater strides to strengthen and secure our borders if we are to put an end to the trafficking and increase security within the United States."

  "When the WMD-CST was threatened by proposed cuts, I worked to secure both authorization and funding to keep it open and operational. Located at Fort Hamilton, this team is highly-trained to respond to high-risk situations and assist the NYPD and FDNY in response efforts ... Keeping this team in Brooklyn is crucial to our safety and security."

• Military and Veteran Affairs↓

  "The first bill I introduced as a new member of Congress was the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act, which establishes a program for veterans to address posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through therapeutic dog training and handling – encouraging the use of shelter dogs when appropriate."

  "I am working to see that it is soon signed into law, in order to establish a program at a nearby hospital, like the Brooklyn VA."

  "...I was proud to cosponsor the Veteran Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, which has since become law."

• Policing and Criminal Justice↓

  "I have fought relentlessly against cuts to law enforcement resources – successfully passing an amendment through Congress to prevent a cut to the COPS hiring program and another to preserve funding for regional information sharing activities that help law enforcement coordinate efforts."

  "I ... took a stand for our first responders, successfully blocking cuts to the FIRE/SAFER grants that provide jobs, training, and equipment for our local fire departments."

• Sandy Recovery↓

  "I fought ... to secure over $50 billion in emergency funding to support our rebuilding efforts. Now I continue to monitor the funding and direct it into the hands of the homeowners and business owners in Staten Island and Brooklyn."

  "When a federal policy prevented homeowners who turned down an SBA loan from qualifying for the full amount of grants, I ... got the policy changed."

  "I have introduced legislation to reduce skyrocketing flood insurance rates."

  "I worked to secure funding for Nichols Marina and to rebuild the ramp in time for boating season."

• Transportation↓

  "I have made improving public transportation and reducing the costs a top priority."

  "I have fought the economy-crushing [commercial] toll hikes hurting local residents and businesses. ..I filed an amicus brief in support of the AAA's lawsuit calling the tolls unjust and unreasonable. ...I have introduced the Commuter Protection Act, which will restore much-needed oversight to the PA to ensure that any and all tolls are just and reasonable."

  "When legislation was proposed to strip $1 billion from the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and make it ineligible for bus funding, I led a bipartisan effort to strip the language. This effort was ultimately successful, saving our busses from the Congressional chopping block."

  "I have been a strong proponent of preserving adequate funding for our ferry system. The Staten Island Ferry is our only free mode of transportation.... it is imperative that we have adequate resources for maintenance, upgrades, and safety."

Record in Office

Michael Grimm currently serves as United States Representative for New York's 11th Congressional District, since 2010.

Committee and Subcommittee assignments: Committee on Capital Markets – Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises; Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Caucuses: Friends of Switzerland Caucus (co-chair); House Republican Israel Caucus (co-chair); House Oceans caucus (co-chair); International Conservation Caucus; Sportsmen's Caucus.

Indictment: In April 2014, Grimm was indicted on 20 counts of fraud charges in connection with a health food establishment which he co-owned prior to serving in Congress. Some Republicans have noted that the indictment is a political move to oust the only member of Congress from NYC who is Republican, and that the timing of his indictment prevented the Republican party from putting a new candidate on the ballot. 

Schneiderman (D)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: NYS Attorney General (2011-present)

Previous Work: NYS Senate (D-31) (2003-2010); Chair, Democratic Senate Campaign Committee; Partner, Kirkpatrick & Lockhart

Education: BA, Amherst College; JD, Harvard University

On the Issues

• Civil Rights↓

  "[F]iled a legal challenge to the ... Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to compel the federal government to treat all New York State marriages equally"

• Economy↓

  Formed the Secure Our Smartphones Initiative, in collaboration with San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón, to "[encourage] the cell phone industry to adopt technologies to deter ... violent incidents of smartphone theft by drying up the secondary market on which stolen devices are sold."

  "[F]iled a lawsuit against HSBC Bank USA and HSBC Mortgage Corporation (USA) for failing to follow state law related to foreclosure actions, putting homeowners at greater risk of losing their homes" and plans to "[bring] similar actions against other mortgage lenders."

  Filed charges against Barclays for misrepresentation of high-frequency traders, and falsification of marketing materials: ""While we'll never have a perfectly level playing field, the public must have confidence that predatory traders aren't being given an unfair advantage over regular investors." NYTimes 

  Successfully prosecuted Quadriga Art LLC, a fundraising firm campaigning on behalf of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation for retaining 90% of money raised for mailing costs, resulting in the formation of an audit committee and a new board as well as the cessation of misleading fundraising claims. Wall Street Journal 

  Chairs the federal working group responsible for investigating the role of banks in the housing bubble. His office has directed that $90 million will go to "direct consumer relief to struggling consumers, which will include principal forgiveness on first and second mortgages, mortgage refinancing at lower interest rates and financial assistance for down payments and closing costs for first-time or returning home-buyers." Politics on the Hudson

• Environment↓

  Supports extensive governmental review and oversight of hydrofracking: "The court's decision to allow the state review of hydrofracking risks to continue is an important victory in our effort to ensure all New Yorkers have safe water to drink and a clean, healthy environment."  Democrat and Chronicle

  "[S]ued federal regulators to force a health and environmental impact review of proposed gas drilling in the Delaware River Basin"

  "[C]hallenged the Indian Point nuclear power plant's practices related to high-level radioactive waste storage, earthquake preparedness and fire safety"

• Government Accountability↓

  "[Expanded] his office's authority to investigate public corruption involving taxpayer funds by partnering with the state Comptroller."

  "[L]aunched a new 'Taxpayer Protection Bureau' to root out fraud and return money illegally stolen from New York taxpayers at no additional cost to the state."

  "[A]dopted new regulations requiring nonprofit groups, including 501(c)(4) 'social welfare' organizations that are registered with the state, to report the percentage of their expenditures that go to federal, state and local electioneering."

• Health Care↓

  "[P]roposed the 'Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing Act' ... [to create] a real-time, online database for doctors and pharmacists to report and track the prescribing and the dispensing of certain controlled substances."

  "[B]olstered the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which has ... recovered tens of millions of dollars."

  Introduced the Reproductive Rights Disclosure Act—sponsored by Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins—that would require employers to notify employees in writing of changes to their health insurance plans' coverage of birth control 90 days prior
  to the change, after the Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby decision. Politics on the Hudson

  Stated that he will enforce "buffer zone" laws designed to prevent harassment at abortion clinics in the state of New York, despite the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in McCullen v. Coakley. Times Union

• Policing and Criminal Justice↓

  Advocates for improving information security via collaboration between industry and security experts. Enforced a 2005 law mandating that breached institutions notify the attorney general and affected individuals when private data—e.g. names, social security, driver's license—have been compromised. Crains New York 

Endorsements

Organizations: Village Independent Democrats; Bay Ridge Democrats; Tilden Democratic Club; Community Free Democrats; Three Parks Independent Democrats; United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500; New York State United Teachers; Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater NY; Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union; Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC; Empire State Pride Agenda

Individuals: Mayor Paul Dyster, Niagara Falls; Mayor Byron Brown, Buffalo; Executive Mark Poloncarz, Erie County; Executive Daniel P. McCoy, Albany County; Executive Mike Hein, Ulster County; Executive Ed Day, Rockland County