Endorsements For New York City May 5 Special Elections

U.S. Congress – 11^th Congressional District (Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn): In this hotly contested race to succeed Michael Grimm, we endorse Dan Donovan, currently serving as district attorney in Staten Island. Mr. Donovan has had a distinguished career as a law enforcing, no-nonsense district attorney and can be expected to be a strong voice for anti-crime legislation.

But he also has had much relevant experience in addressing the broad range of local issues in the 11^th CD that will confront the new member of the House of Representatives. He was chief of staff to Staten Island Borough President Guy Molinari and also later served as deputy borough president under Borough President James P. Molinari.

On national issues he promises to speak out for the unemployed and tax reform and for increased protection against terrorist threats from abroad. On the international scene, Mr. Donovan advocates a strong U.S. anti-terrorism policy and is a strong supporter of Israel’s right to protect its security interests. He is also a critic of the Obama administration’s proposed nuclear deal with Iran, and urges meaningful Congressional oversight.

New York State Assembly – 43^rd Assembly District (Southern Crown Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens and parts of East Flatbush): In the 43^rd AD, we endorse Menachem Raitport. Mr. Raitport is a solid citizen of the Crown Heights community: he is a business owner there and comes from a family that for decades has been deeply involved in its religious, social service and educational institutions.

He is a strong advocate of self-help and job training and for a fair and balanced housing program including subsidized housing where appropriate. He has championed the construction of underground parking lots to deal with the chronic lack of parking spaces in the district and calls for a common sense policy regarding bike lanes, urging that more attention be paid to the needs of motorists.

He notes that there is no Democratic Party candidate in the election in the 43^rd and that he is running as a Republican with a strong sense of duty to assist those who cannot help themselves.