Island Vote: Political newcomer takes on Rep. King in 2nd District

<p>A Democratic political newcomer is hoping to knock out 25-year Republican incumbent Peter King in the 2nd Congressional District.</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 20, 2018, 9:24 PM

Updated 2,031 days ago

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A Democratic political newcomer is hoping to knock out 25-year Republican incumbent Peter King in the 2nd Congressional District.
Liuba Grechen-Shirley, 37, a working mother of two children, is trying to take down the popular Republican. She says it’s time for a change and that she will fight for working people.
“This is what you're supposed to do – hold town hall meetings and talk with residents,” she told News 12. “You can't be their voice in Washington if you don't understand what they're going through.”
Grechen-Shirley says she held a town meeting in Brentwood Saturday to listen to voter's concerns. She says she's also going door to door to meet with people throughout the district, which encompasses South Shore communities that straddle the Nassau/Suffolk border.
“I'm sick and tired of career politicians and millionaires in Congress making really bad decisions for the rest of us. We need a voice for everyone in this district. We need someone who cares more about the constituents then corporate donors,” she says.
Rep. Peter King, 74, held a rally Saturday in Seaford geared toward women, moms and families. Also there was King's daughter and  Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney.
Rep. King says after 25 years on the job, he'd like to continue advocating for Long Islanders.
“We can't afford to have someone in Congress that doesn't understand the issues, that doesn't understand MS-13, who doesn't understand what ICE does and how essential they are saving our community from MS-13,” said the congressman.
At 74 years old King has also defended his record on border security and support of police officers.
“I believe in getting the job done, and all I care about is the constituents in my district,” he says.


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