A bipartisan group of Long Island mayors – six Republicans and five Democrats – officially endorsed the efforts of Rep. Tom Suozzi to reclaim George Santos lie’s old seat.
The impeached pollster was kicked out of Congress last Friday because of financial irregularities and numerous ethics violations — and now a heated Republican primary race is underway to replace him.
“Today’s endorsement makes clear that this race is not about Democrat vs. Republican or Republican vs. Democrat,” Suozzi (D-NY) said in a statement Monday.
“This mayor understands that this race is about who knows the district best and who will deliver results for the people of the 3rd Congressional District.”
Endorsements for Suozzi’s campaign announced Monday include: Ralph Ekstrand (R) Farmingdale, John Durkin (D) Roslyn, Bob Fagliola (R) Lattingtown, Elena Villafane (D) Sea Cliff, Marvin Natiss (R), Nora Baxter Estates Haagenson (D), Larry Schmidlapp of Center Island (R), Willam Warner (D) Great Neck Estates, Tom Zoller (R) Cove Neck), Paul Leone Peters (D) Roslyn Estates and John Popeleski of Manorhaven (R).
Tom Suozzi is trying to reclaim his old congressional seat. CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images
Suozzi preceded Santos, 35, as congressman for the 3rd District — a seat he held from 2017 until early 2023. The former congressman actually defeated Santos in the 2020 election by more than 12 percentage points.
Since then, turbulent redistricting has changed the landscape in the Empire State, and Suozzi chose to compete for the Democratic nod to become governor. The Republican was easily defeated by incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) who took over after the resignation of former Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY).
Last October, Suozzi ran for Santos’ seat as the truth-challenging politician faced mounting scandal.
“I couldn’t be happier that Tom Suozzi is back representing the North Shore of Long Island. His energy and positive approach to serving his constituents is unmatched. Politics aside, Tom is an outstanding, honest and caring individual,” Zoller, the Republican mayor, said of Suozzi.
George Santos provided the support he wasn’t looking for on Sunday. AP
Meanwhile, Santos decided to do the verification himself — but the recipient wasn’t interested.
“I know this is interesting but I think the only person who can beat Suozzi because the Dems are misogynistic asses and won’t let Anna Kaplan be their nominee is @MikeSapraicone!,” Santos wrote on X Sunday.
“He is a former policeman. A business leader,” added Santos. “I fully support and support Mike in taking over a seat that was stolen from me and the people of NY-3 without due process.”
I know this is an interesting point but I think the only person who can beat Suozzi because the Dems are misogynistic asses and won’t let Anna Kaplan be their candidate is @MikeSapraicone!
He is a former police officer. A business leader. And have the fundraising and infrastructure to go to…
— George Santos (@MrSantosNY) December 3, 2023
Mike Sapraicone, CEO of Security Squad, which is vying for the Republican nod to replace Santos, refused the liar’s stamp of approval.
“I reject the support of Santos,” he told The Post. “I said he was a crook and a liar and I still feel the same way. He is trying to make himself relevant. He is irrelevant.”
“I don’t know who he’s trying to play with — Republicans, Democrats or the House of Representatives. We will move forward. We are preparing. I met with voters and raised money as if I were the Republican candidate.”
Mike Sapraicone slaps George Santos’ support.
Even before Santos gave his support, Sapraicone had reprimanded him, cheered his ouster and accused him of being “a liar and a liar.”
Sapraicone is not the only local Republican who wants nothing to do with Santos.
“George Santos has no place in the Nassau Republican Party, and he has no credibility among our candidates,” said Nassau County Republican Committee Chairman Joseph Cairo.
Santos is a crook and a liar who has no business serving in Congress. His dismissal underscores the will of residents of New York’s 3rd Congressional District who have no real representation on Capitol Hill. I look forward to the continued excitement and momentum around me… pic.twitter.com/IFCjUJklG1
— Mike Sapraicone (@MikeSapraicone) December 1, 2023
“None of our candidates want his support. In fact, I know that every potential Republican candidate in Nassau will unequivocally reject George Santos’ endorsement.”
The disgraced former MP has chosen not to run for re-election. Santos became the first lawmaker to be expelled from Congress in nearly two decades and the sixth overall.
The expulsion happened in a vote of 311 to 114 with 105 Republicans on board. It followed a report from the House Ethics Committee which alleged that he “blatantly stole” campaign funds.
George Santos has made it clear that he does not want to leave. Getty Images
The report details his alleged use of political dollars for Botox, Fans Only, rent, and other baffling expenses.
Santos has cried foul over the process, claiming that he did not receive a fair shake.
He has embarked on a revenge tour, filing ethics complaints against several members of Congress, trying to muddy the waters.
The disgraced former congressman also faces a 23-count indictment for alleged embezzlement, defrauding donors, and more.
Recently, HBO optioned the rights to the book to produce a film detailing his brief political career. The film will be executive produced by Frank Rich, the brains behind “Succession” and “Veep.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
