In the race to replace Vito Fossella in New York's 13th Congressional District the arguments among and between the partisans of the aspirants for the Democratic Party nomination in New York’s 13 Congressional District has focused on almost anything but the issues. Personally, I’ve been dissatisfied with what seemed to be shaping up as an intensely insider debate. (Who can raise enough money? Who is a pawn of Vito Lopez? Who supported Sen. Martin J. Golden?) Process questions are important, but they should not take the place of policy discussion, as I see it.

In order to understand the difference between them, I called up both candidates and asked them about key issues. I’ve run the statements below by each candidate again so as to ensure their accuracy and opportunity to fine tune the positions. Corrections are welcome. In my view, the statements below point to some policy differences between Mr. Harrison and Mr. Recchia.

I asked about the views of Mr. Harrison and Mr. Recchia on other issues too: health care, civil liberties, the economy, the sub-prime lending crisis. Suggestions are welcome The statements post jump.

Steve Harrison:

“I am opposed to the war in Iraq and always have been. I favor an immediate troop withdrawal which protects our troops and keeps them safe, in an operation to be determined by our Generals. While, for security reasons and the safety of our troops, I do not favor a specific deadline for completion of the withdrawal, it should commence forthwith and proceed with all prudent and deliberate speed, subject to close and consistent Congressional oversight to assure compliance with the objective. If oversight should reveal unreasonable delay, then a deadline should be imposed without hesitation. Were I in Congress I would use the power of the purse to fund only a safe troop withdrawal. I oppose the permanent basing of US military men and women in Iraq .

I believe President Bush does not have authority to attack Iran based on Congress’ authorization of military action in Iraq. From what I know now, I oppose any US attack on Iran.”

Domenic Recchia:

"The Iraqis have to become responsible for their own security. I want our troops out as soon and as safely as possible and I am opposed to the war in Iraq. As the Iraqi forces stand up, US troops should stand down. As I result, it is difficult to set a firm deadline for an end to US involvement in Iraq.

As to permanent US bases in Iraq, my position on this issue would depend on the purpose of the US bases. If I approved of the purpose of the bases, I would support them. We have bases in a number of counties including Turkey, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan, Panama, Italy, Kuwait, Spain, Australia and Belgium. I am opposed to a continuing combat role for the United States.

The President does not have the authority to use force in Iran. I would co-sponsor
House Joint Resolution 64 that states "that the use of force against Iran is not authorized by the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002, any resolution previously adopted, or any other provision of law."