Where's REP. JOHN MICA: ENDORSING REPUBLICANS ON STATEN ISLAND, NY

On the campaign trail on Staten Island
by Staten Island Advance
Friday October 24, 2008, 3:08 PM

Advance photo/
Court officers endorse Judge Judith McMahon on the steps of state Supreme Court in St. George.Several candidates for office on Staten Island wracked up endorsements today ahead of the Nov. 4 general election.

Democratic Judge Judith McMahon picked up some courthouse union endorsements in her race for the state Supreme Court.

"Judge McMahon is an extremely dedicated and hard-working jurist who deeply cares about the Staten Island community and is held in the highest esteem by all court personnel," Dennis Quirk, president of the New York State Court Officers Association, said on the steps of Supreme Court in St. George.

Also endorsing her bid were the New York State Supreme Court Officers Association and the New York State Court Clerks Association.

"These are the people who make our courts strong," said Ms. McMahon. "I'm proud to work with them on a daily basis, and I will continue to work hard every day for everybody on Staten Island."

About 50 members of the unions joined Quirk and McMahon on the courthouse steps.

Meanwhile, GOP congressional candidate Robert Straniere was endorsed by the ranking Republican member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which Straniere has said he would seek a seat on.

Rep. John Mica (R-Florida) praised Straniere's "great legislative experience," saying he would be "ready to roll up his sleeves and help on major legislation, such as the Highway Reauthorization bill ... His experience and leadership will be of great value to Staten Island and the city of New York."

Added Mica: "As the former chairman of the Italian-American delegation in Congress, I know that Bob Straniere shares my deep appreciation of our rich heritage."

Said Straniere: "To have someone of his experience and ability support my bid for Congress goes to show that I already have the relationships necessary in a legislative body like the U.S. Congress to get to work on Day One."

Also on the endorsement front, Assemblywoman Janele Hyer-Spencer was expecting to pick up the backing of the United Federation of Teachers at UFT headquarters in Eltingville later this afternoon.

For more on the Staten Island political scene, check out Advance Political Editor Tom Wrobleski's Polit.burea blog.

And for profiles of each candidate -- including their responses to key issues -- click here.

-- Contributed by Judy L. Randall