Times Union – Capitol Confidential (blog)

Albany, NY

http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/24310/1199-dont-go-to-the-arcuri-fund-raiser/

By Jimmy Vielkind

The health care union 1199 is calling on Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito, D-Rome, not to attend a fund-raiser scheduled tonight in Albany.

“At a time when New York’s working families are faced with the continuing loss of jobs and health coverage, Arcuri effectively turned his back on the middle class. It’s a travesty that the Congressman has the comfort of affordable healthcare for himself and his family but voted to deny that same security to the hardworking men and women of Central New York,” wrote leaders of 1199, the WFP and the CWA. “We have withdrawn our support for Congressman Arcuri’s re-election bid and for the reasons stated above, we strongly urge you to cancel your appearance at his upcoming fundraiser.”

Members of Citizen Action are also planning a protest outside the firm of Capitol Public Strategies. A fund-raiser for Arcuri is being hosted there by Destito, Glen Casey and Jerry Weiss. Health care advocates — including City Council Speaker Christine Quinn — similarly boycotted a fund-raiser held in Manhattan by Rep. Mike McMahon, D-Staten Island, after he voted against the health care legislation.