New York State Insider: Election Desk 2022 News: Astorino Challenges Zeldin to 'Come Clean' on Petition Challenges.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ASTORINO TO ZELDIN: WHO’S PAYING FOR PETITION CHALLENGES? 

Says Backroom Politician Needs to Come Clean. 

“Zeldin has told numerous reporters that he has nothing to do 

with the challenges, and did it with a straight face, just like his mentor, Andrew Cuomo, used to do.”

New York-Apr. 20…Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino, the former two-term Westchester County Executive, today called on primary opponent Lee Zeldin to come clean about his involvement with legal objections to petitions filed by Astorino and fellow GOP gubernatorial candidate Andrew Giuliani. Tens of thousands of Republican voters across the state signed petitions to allow Astorino, as well as Giuliani, to compete in the Republican primary.  

Zeldin has ridiculously denied being involved in the challenge to Astorino and Giuliani, but Astorino isn’t buying it. 

“Lee Zeldin needs to be truthful about who’s orchestrating these bogus and intricate petition challenges,” Mr. Astorino said. “He’s told numerous reporters that he has nothing to do with the challenges, and did it with a straight face, just like his mentor, Andrew Cuomo, used to do. Zeldin needs to say whether his campaign is directly or indirectly contributing to the legal challenge and whether he or any members of his campaign team have had any communications with the complainants or attorneys in the case. His answer will speak directly to his integrity.” 

 

Astorino also asked why Zeldin is so afraid of political competition. 

“I’ve got an eight-year record governing as a conservative Westchester County Executive that I’m proud to stand behind, which includes cutting taxes and holding the line on spending,” Astorino said. “But Zeldin apparently doesn’t want to be asked about his record in Albany and Washington, where he voted more often with Governor Cuomo than he did with President Trump. As a state senator Zeldin even touted Cuomo for President. My guess is he’s desperately trying to avoid discussion of that, but primary voters have a right to know it.” 

Astorino said that his signatures will be proven to be valid and he will be on the June 28 Republican primary ballot.