Congressman supports Lanza

 

Friday, August 25, 2006

By ROB HART

ADVANCE ALBANY BUREAU

City Councilman Andrew Lanza got a boost yesterday from Rep. Peter King in his quest to succeed retiring state Sen. John Marchi.

Lanza (R-South Shore) was endorsed by King, the Long Island Republican who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, at the marble monument next to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

King called Lanza a potential key ally in fighting terror.

"For Homeland Security to be effective, you need a partnership with the federal, state and local governments, and I want him to be my partner in Albany," said King, who was joined by Rep. Vito Fossella (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn).

King added that Lanza has a keen understanding of Sept. 11, 2001, because of the lives lost here -- 270 Island residents and former Islanders were killed.

"It's a particular honor to have the support of [King], a leader together with Congressman Fossella in demanding to have Homeland Security funding based on terror-threat analysis and bring more funding where it's needed, to the New York City area," said Lanza.

He said he would try to land a spot on the state Senate's Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee if elected.

When asked if the endorsement would mean financial or campaigning support, King said: "I'll do whatever they ask me to do. It's important to have good people in Albany."

Robert Helbock, longtime legislative counsel to Marchi (R-Staten Island), is the Conservative candidate waging a GOP primary against Lanza.

Attorney Matthew Titone, son of the late Judge Vito Titone, is the Democrat in the race.

Rob Hart covers state government for the Advance. He may be reached at rhart@siadvance.com.

 

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