Bloody Republican Vs. Republican Fratricide In Top House Race (NY)

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http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/07/bloody_republican_vs_republican.php

Bloody Republican Vs. Republican Fratricide In Top House Race
By Eric Kleefeld - July 16, 2008, 4:25PM


There's been yet another bizarre turn in the GOP's eternal quest to find a candidate for the key House seat in New York's 13th district, which is expected to be one of this fall's most hotly-contested races.

The latest: The GOP has finally found someone to make the race, former Assemblyman Robert Straniere -- but one of the state's most prominent Republicans is vowing to destroy his candidacy!

"I'm going to do everything in my power to stop him," said former Rep. Guy Molinari, who used to represent the area and is one of the biggest GOP names in New York, in an interview with Election Central. "And if that means defeating him and a Democrat wins, that's okay, too. I would rather have someone that's honest and would do what's right for the country, than support him."

"He lies about everything," Molinari later added. "How do you pick a man like that to go to Congress?"

Molinari pointed out that Straniere lost renomination to his Assembly seat in 2004 after 24 years of service, casting serious doubt on his electability. On top of that, he accused Straniere of continuing to squat in a house for a year after he sold it, ultimately having to be evicted.

"We've made a big mistake," Molinari said. "A terrible mistake."

In an interview with Election Central, Straniere declined to discuss Molinari's accusations against him: "I will use my best efforts to meet with Guy and anyone else to put together a winning campaign. No animosity towards anybody."