Stephen Labate Calls for Congressman Israel to Stand Up for the Military

August 9, 2012 4:35 pm | Filed under: Politics | Posted by:

Stephen Labate Calls for Congressman Israel to Stand Up for the Military

On July 17, 2012 the Obama campaign and the Democratic National Committee filed a lawsuit to prevent extending early voting to military members.  When asked for a comment Stephen Labate said, “This is an outrage and appears to be an attempt to suppress the military vote”.

Labate, the Republican, who this November will challenge Congressman Steve Israel, pointed out “Congressman Israel is head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and his silence on this matter speaks volumes that his loyalty is to the party and not to the men and women who wear our country’s uniform”.  The candidate continued, “The hypocrisy of vowing support for the military while staging photo ops, and then failing to stand up for military voting rights seems to be a pattern for Congressman Israel”.

In 2010 and 2012, the State of New York sought waivers from complying with the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act, (MOVE Act), which protects the right of service members to vote in Federal elections regardless of where they are stationed. Congressman Israel was silent as the State of New York sought to disenfranchise military voters.

Labate, a 24-year Army officer who still wears our nation’s uniform, went on to say “I am keenly aware of the problems military personnel face when Election Day comes around.  Many members don’t receive absentee ballots in time to be counted in the election and some never get them at all”.

Labate continued “Military personnel are on the front lines of defending our constitution so that everyone has the right to vote, and every accommodation should be made to ensure they do as well. I call on Congressman Israel to set politics aside and speak out against President Obama and his Party’s attempt to suppress the vote of our Soldiers”.

Facebook Comments must be signed into Facebook

7 Responses to Stephen Labate Calls for Congressman Israel to Stand Up for the Military

  1. Ohio had a law providing for early voting, and in 2008, 30 percent of votes were cast in early voting. A recent law reduced early voting hours, but exempting the military. The lawsuit is to restore early voting to civilians and would not affect military voters in any way. No one’s trying to take voting rights from the military.

    The Military and Overseas Voting (MOVE) Act requires that military and other overseas voters receive their ballots for federal office at least 45 days before the general election. In order to comply with this federal law, New York would have had to move its primary from September to August. The state asked for a waiver, and it was denied. The U.S. Department of Justice then sued the state, and a federal judge ordered that the primary be moved to June 26 in 2012. Now since Steve Israel is our federal representative, not state representative, how is he at fault here?

    When will Mr. Labate actually say something about what he would do if elected?

    Debra
    August 9, 2012 8:43 pm at 8:43 pm

  2. Congressman Israel has done an great job representing his district. As a veteran (US Army, 1968-1970)with a service connected disability, I can tell you that he truly is a supporter veterans, their organizations and the Northport VA hospital. His constituent services are outstanding.

    wundaboy
    August 10, 2012 12:51 am at 12:51 am

  3. Yep, Mr Israel has the best interests of Veterans at heart (NOT!) which is why it took forever and a basket of red tape to NOT take care of the parking lot at the VA until Mr Cook stepped in and did it for NO COST to the tax payer??? You sure do make me wonder wunderboy.

    https://thehuntingtonian.com/2012/06/30/councilman-cook-local-business-owners-boy-scouts-help-veterans/

    FairyGyrl
    August 10, 2012 8:01 am at 8:01 am

  4. @fairyGurl: Nice job by Mr. Cook but your response is totally irrelevant and illogical. I suggest you try and re-read my above post, do some research on Mr. Israel’s accomplishments and then come back to talk. Okay?

    wundaboy
    August 10, 2012 7:09 pm at 7:09 pm

  5. I have already lived Mr Israel’s results. Pretty sure I don’t need to reacquaint myself with what the media wants to spoon feed me based on bogus press releases.

    FairyGyrl
    August 10, 2012 10:03 pm at 10:03 pm

  6. @wundaboy i have seen what mr israel did he was part of the congress that due to their in ability to produce a budget cost the military 2 billion in cuts you know who that effects the vets because the first thing the military did was eliminate veteran services and va doctors so you tell me again how mr israel is usefull in helping the veterans of this great nation!

    republicangal
    August 13, 2012 1:00 am at 1:00 am

  7. @republicangal: Okay, your screen name says it all, but let me tell you again. You do not know what you are talking about. The VA hospital in Northport is excellent and is fully staffed by professional doctors and other providers. I know because I am a disabled vet and go there for services. Steve Isreal is a huge supporter of the Veteran’s hospital, the miitary and veterans.

    wundaboy
    August 14, 2012 5:00 pm at 5:00 pm

You must be logged in to post a comment Login