King, Kudler vie for 3rd Congressional District seat

The race for the 3rd Congressional District pits nine-term U.S. Rep. Peter King, a Republican of Seaford, against New York City social studies teacher Howard Kudler, a Democrat from Merrick.

Kudler, who moved to Merrick from Queens 10 years ago, has kept a low profile in the race to date, shying away from media outlets, including this one. He told one daily newspaper that he prefers to do door-to-door campaigning rather than interviews. He at last contacted the Herald this week. The 56-year-old said he hopes to generate grassroots buzz.

Meanwhile, the incumbent, who many describe as a hard-nosed conservative, has long held the media spotlight and is a regular contributor to national news broadcasts, particularly on matters involving national security. King has long called for greater federal security dollars for New York, in particular the metropolitan area, and was a staunch supporter of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

King, 66, was chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee under President George W. Bush until Democrats took control of the House in 2007. King remains the ranking minority member of the committee.

Kudler, who describes himself as a community leader, says on his campaign palm card, “For 17 years, Congressman King has led Long Island deeper and deeper into a financial and commercial ditch. We have lost jobs, our tax base, our communities and our values.”

His palm card also states, “Poor Pete King. When he has nothing to say, he just says it louder. Terrorist fear, too many mosques, be afraid!! Fear, bomber, danger!”

Kudler said he would:

•Bring lost federal funds back to Long Island.

•Respect veterans and fight to bring U.S. troops home from war.

•Be a “protector of Israel” and an “enemy to all terrorists.”

•Fight GOP plans to privatize Social Security.

If elected, Kudler said he would fight for greater dollars for infrastructure improvement, including construction of new rail lines to help move freight on and off Long Island. He also suggested construction of a cargo airport in Calverton. “Rebuild [Long Island] and corporations will come back,” he said.