Six years ago, Dal LaMagna received a congressional citation as "Small Business Person of the Year," for his work as founder of the Tweezerman Corporation in Glen Cove. Called an entrepreneur who "measures success on the
basis of improving the human condition," Mr. LaMagna was praised for
providing jobs to local residents and directing 10 percent of the company's
profits toward community projects.
That citation was given to him by Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford),
the man Mr. LaMagna is running against, again, for a seat in Congress from the Third District. Mr. King defeated Mr. LaMagna in the 1996 election in the district that encompasses the City of Long Beach, Lido Beach, Point Lookout, Island Park, Baldwin, Oceanside, Bellmore and Merrick.
The days of Mr. King giving out citations to Mr. LaMagna are long over,
however, as the four-term congressman says there is "no love lost" between
him and his challenger.
"I don't think he has anywhere near the qualifications I have," Mr. King
said.
The Herald was unable to speak with Mr. LaMagna for this article.
Called a "Gingrich clone" by Mr. LaMagna in the past, Rep. King points
out that he opposed former House Speaker Newt Gingrich on a number of issues.
"It's a very cheap, easy and simple-minded kind of campaign to try and say
Gingrich and King are the same thing," said Rep. King.
Through his steadfast support of an English-only bill and school prayer, and his opposition to abortion rights, gay and lesbian rights, and gun control, Congressman King has pushed the Republican Party's conservative envelope further to the right on domestic issues. "I have carved out a reputation for independence."
As a congressman, the incumbent has been active on foreign policy, welfare
reform, health care and, most recently, balancing the budget.
"The thing I'm most proud of in my last four years is being part of the
process for the first balanced budget in 30 years," Rep. King said.
Locally, his biggest impact has been made through obtaining federal
funding for the first-ever study of Long Island's breast-cancer epidemic; and
on the environmental front, he successfully fought for continued spending on
the Long Beach Restoration Project, which received $70 million over seven
years.
The former Nassau County comptroller has gained national attention for
his strong support of the Irish nationalist cause and for battles with
Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam. Rep. King also traveled to
Jerusalem with President Clinton for the funeral of Prime Minister Rabin of Israel.
"Overall in foreign policy, I think I have a tremendous amount of
experience," Rep. King said.
"I'm independent, people know I'll fight for them and not be intimidated
by anybody," Rep. King said. "I have a record of achievement for New York and
Long Island."
