Following the announcement of new congressional district boundaries, local Democrats have a new reason to get behind Robert Zimmerman in the upcoming primary election. The Third Congressional District now includes portions of the Bronx and Westchester in addition to larger population centers in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens. This change has created an opportunity for state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi to enter the race and unify voters in the Bronx and Westchester, while the five Long Island-based candidates risk splitting the vote locally.
This poses a dilemma for Democrats because the overwhelming majority of the district’s population remains on Long Island, making the nomination of a Westchester-based candidate vulnerable in the November general election.
The argument for Robert as the best candidate breaks down into three categories. First, Robert has a set of skills and experiences that offer him the potential to be the best representative. Second, Robert has set ideological priorities that are most likely to build a winning coalition. Third, Robert has assembled endorsements from respected leaders who know that he will be the best representative for us.
Robert’s career makes him uniquely suited to be our next congressperson. As the co-founder of ZE Creative Communications, Robert has spent over 30 years directing communications strategies for public, private, and non-profits entities. He is also a Democratic National Committee member and serves as a TV commentator. His life’s work gives him the expertise needed to help Democrats develop an effective message rather than letting Republicans and Democratic infighting define us. This presents the opportunity to elect a representative with a capacity to make an enormous impact and it is one that voters should seize on.
Next, Robert’s policy positions can unify the Democratic electorate and earn the votes needed to win in the fall. For progressive voters, Robert’s support for Medicare for All and his pledge to not accept any Corporate PAC contributions show that he will be dedicated to key planks of a progressive agenda. Robert has also focused on restoring local and state tax deductions. This is an issue Democrats must actively campaign on to make it clear that Donald Trump and the Republican Congress raised taxes on the majority of the residents in the district.
Additionally, Robert has a strong record of advocacy for the U.S.-Israel alliance. In addition to the good policy that follows from having a pro-Israel representative in Congress, the politics here are vital. Simply put, handing the Republicans an attack line to target Jewish and pro-Israel voters, a group that makes up a significant portion of the local Democratic coalition of which I am proud to be a part of, would be political malpractice.
Moreover, Robert’s endorsers across Long Island include some of our most respected political leaders like New York State Comptroller Tom Dinapoli, former County Executive Laura Curran, and former North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth as well as renown local civil rights leaders such as Hazel Dukes, champions of the labor movement like John R. Durso, as well as a host of other elected officials, both current and former. This support is a testament to the high regard Robert is held in by those who know what it takes to represent us.
The field of Long Island Democrats is a strong group, including Jon Kaiman, who served as one of the most innovative supervisors in the history of the Town of North Hempstead. Nevertheless, while looking at the campaigns of Jon, Melanie D’Arrigo, Josh Lafazan, and Reema Rasool, it remains my opinion that the characteristics Robert brings to the table make him the best candidate. This election will occur against the backdrop of this past fall’s contest where Democratic candidates were upset by Republicans all over the region and we don’t need to add to our challenges by nominating a candidate who Republicans can accuse of “not being one of us” to Long Islanders.
I know just how challenging this environment will be as a Democratic candidate who lost my candidacy for North Hempstead Town Council this past fall by 138 votes as Republicans took back the town supervisor seat for the first time since 1987. To give ourselves the best chance to win we need to nominate the candidate that has the ability to unify our party and make the most effective case that they will be the best representative for us in Washington.
Robert Zimmerman is that candidate and I’m proud to be supporting him in his campaign for Congress in New York’s Third District.
Peter Fishkind
Great Neck
