Politcal Briefs 11.01.18
Anti-Gun Group’s Picks
New Yorkers Against Gun Violence has endorsed Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Perry Gershon, the Democratic candidate who is challenging Representative Lee Zeldin in New York’s First Congressional District, in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
“Each candidate has made a strong commitment to policies that reduce gun violence and help protect New York communities,” an Oct. 2 release issued by the group stated. The group considered candidates’ responses to a questionnaire, support for gun violence prevention legislation, and voting record, if applicable.
In an Oct. 18 statement, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence announced additional endorsements, including Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who are seeking re-election, and Letitia James for state attorney general.
“Gun violence is preventable and New York State has shown that strong gun laws reduce gun deaths and injuries,” Rebecca Fischer, the group’s executive director, said in the statement. “We endorse these candidates because they have demonstrated that they have the leadership to stand up to the [National Rifle Association] and extremists in Congress and will work to enact federal legislation that will save lives.”
Conservation Voters for Gershon
The New York League of Conservation Voters has endorsed Perry Gershon for Congress. “Perry Gershon has made environmental protection and combating climate change a top priority,” Julie Tighe, the league’s president, said in a release issued on Friday. “He is committed to supporting the ambitious efforts of local towns like East Hampton and Southampton to expand the use of renewable energy.”
“As the current White House and Congress continue to roll back environmental protections and standards, Gershon will bring change to Washington by advocating for bringing the U.S. back into the Paris Climate Accord,” Ms. Tighe said.
Dems Rally at American Legion
The East Hampton Democratic Committee and the Friends of David Lys will hold a campaign rally tomorrow from 6 to 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Amagansett. The rally is in support of Mr. Lys’s candidacy for the seat he now occupies on the East Hampton Town Board as well as that of Perry Gershon for Congress. Mr. Gershon, who lives in East Hampton, will attend the rally.
A flier for the event promises music, free pizza and salad, beer, wine, and soft drinks.
Clubhouse Election Day Party
The Clubhouse at East Hampton Indoor Tennis will host an Election Day party, which the facility’s proprietor, Scott Rubenstein, called a bipartisan effort to encourage people to exercise their right to vote.
Mr. Rubenstein said in an email that Patricia Hope suggested the party, proposing that those who vote receive a coupon of some sort. She contributed $200 toward that effort. Mr. Rubenstein matched that amount, as did East Hampton Town Councilmen Jeffrey Bragman and David Lys, and Manny Vilar, who is challenging Mr. Lys for his seat in Tuesday’s election.
“Together we invite the first 150 people to join us for a drink at the Clubhouse,” Mr. Rubenstein said, “and we will dedicate one of our big screens to those who want to watch the returns.” Voters will be asked to wear the sticker distributed at their polling stations indicating that they voted, he said. Those planning to attend have been asked to send an email to [email protected].