LATIMER WINS LATEST ASSEMBLY DEBATES

(October 26, 2008) The running series of debates between Assemblyman George Latimer
(D-Westchester, 91st A.D.) and his conservative Republican opponent, Rob Biagi, made it into Rye and Mamaroneck this week, with two televised sessions pitting the candidates again.

Biagi, 36, continued to launch his attacks on Democrats in general, trying to paint Latimer with a brush used for Speaker Sheldon Silver and others, as the reason for Albany difficulties. "Rob is a true conservative partisan," Latimer, 54, responded, "and he wants Sound Shore residents to believe that MORE partisanship will cure our ills. He's wrong, and the people know it." Latimer received strong audience response in both venues, with attendees well aware of Latimer's years of service, and the crowd reacting negatively to the challenger's misrepresentations.

Latimer answered inqueries at both events that provided details on: how he would support revenue reductions to the 2008-09 NY State Budget; plans to assist communities with flood remediation; focus tax relief for school property taxpayers, etc. "I believe in answering the actual questions posed at a debate, not using a question to launch off into an ideological rant," Latimer said.

Biagi has unsuccessfully attempted to generate voter outrage for which he asserts he will become "the outspoken voice" for in Albany. Without offering policy specifics, Biagi has repeated his desire to give public voice to anger and frustrations. Latimer's reasoned replies - peppered with strong rejections of Biagi's over-the-top rhetoric - had audience attendees at The Osborn in Rye and Mamaroneck Town Center giving the debate nod to Latimer.

"Rob is desperate in these last few days, so his rhetoric is cranking up another notch. His assertions are falling flat because the electorate knows the work I've done over many years" stated Latimer.

Biagi was called "ineffectual in building a strong team or a coherent message for that team to deliver" by Latimer spokesman Fred Baron. "He has raised hardly any money from people who live in the district; he barely qualified for the ballot with an unusually low number of petition signatures; even his lawn signs have been illegally placed on public property because he lacks the grassroots supporters to place them on sufficient number of homeowners' lawns," noted Baron.

"I suspect the Republican Party thought he would have done a better job by now on his campaign - but apparently not," Baron concluded. "It is clear only that Biagi has used this campaign as a forum for venting his ideology and his anger."

Latimer continues his sprint to the Election Day finish line over the last 10 days with numerous appearances throughout the district. "I take nothing for granted, and people know that. I intend to earn the voter's faith and trust every day," he stated.