Bickering, personal attacks overshadow candidates' debate

The race between three Republicans vying to be chosen as the challenger to Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola) for the 4th Congressional District seat turned fierce last week during a debate held by the Southwest Nassau League of Women Voters.

Emotions ran high the night of Aug. 31 in the crowded auditorium of the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, where Francis Becker, Dan Maloney and Frank Scaturro took turns answering questions about their decision to run in the Sept. 14 Republican primary. While some audience members became rowdy every so often, much of the drama unfolded on stage between Becker, a seven-term Nassau County Legislator, and Scaturro, a 38-year-old law professor from New Hyde Park.

The two bickered about Becker's legislative voting record and Scaturro's political inexperience. Becker, who has the endorsement of the Nassau County Republican Party, engaged with audience members who cheered and jeered and, on one occasion, with the debate moderator. Scaturro, who challenged the petitions of both of his opponents, egged Becker on throughout the debate, criticizing his legislative career and decision to jump into the primary race in June while his opponents began campaigning in the summer of 2009.

Meanwhile, Maloney remained mellow: unlike his opponents, who attempted to incite one another when answering questions, the 56-year-old Baldwin resident responded to moderator and audience questions quickly and simply, hardly referencing his challengers.

Maloney, a member of the Tea Party Movement from the time of its emergence, even poked fun at his opponents’ heated exchanges, breaking tension in the room and getting laughter from the audience.

The event had been intended to provide a forum for the candidates to discuss the issues facing the country and, in particular, the 4th Congressional District. While it served that purpose for the most part, it was overshadowed often by the personal jabs and squabbling.

To remedy that problem, the Herald sat down with each candidate for a deeper look into his stance on a variety of issues from job creation and economic stimulation to health care and foreign policy. Check out the Herald's Q & A with the three contenders.

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