Every couple of years, someone steps up to challenge entrenched 11-term Democratic Congressman Eliot Engel, who represents part of Bronx (Riverdale, Norwood, Woodlawn), Westchester and Rockland counties, usually with underwhelming results.
This year, the first to step up to the plate is Anthony Mele (pictured), 51, a Rockland-based businessman and Army vet who solidly identifies himself as an organizer with the burgeoning and conservative tea party movement that was credited with putting Republican Scott Brown into the vacant Massachusetts senate seat held by the late liberal icon Ted Kennedy.
Unsurprisingly, he's made taxes (the TEA in Tea Party stands for Taxed Enough Already) the singular theme of his campaign.
"Its time to stop the tax madness down in Washington," Mele said in a statement announcing his candidacy. "We don't need government over-spending, over-taxing and over-reaching into our lives."
In this overwhelmingly Democratic district (so was Kennedy's), Mele is running on the Republican and Conservative ballot lines.
For more on Mele, check out his website.
Mele is a far, far, far right wing. Ask him his views on immigration, Don't Ask Don't Tell, Energy, Defense. He's pretty far out there. That's why he trash talks Engel and talks in platitudes. He'd be unelectable if people knew what he really stood for. He's one of these people that likes to pull out their pocket Constitution, but he doesn't comprehend it, or he hasn't read it.
ReplyDeleteIf he's all the Republican Party is offering, Engel is on his way to an easy re-election.
Roller may have a point about the election. We'll see. That's what elections are for. But his characterization of Tony Mele, he's way off base. I had a personal, in depth conversation with Mele bacasue I wanted to hear not only what his positions were, but how he presented himself. He clearly disagrees with Engel, but I didn't hear any trash talk. Re-read Roller's post and you will see that it is filled with innuendo and put-downs like 'pocket Constitution.' I found him to be straight-talking, willing to talk about all the issues in an open fashion. He is articulate, very aware of the international scene and concerened about the basic issues affecting the average person, like taxes and personal freedom.
ReplyDeleteRoller is way off base with his mud-slinging of Mr. Mele. A true American who believes in freedom and does not believe in the marxist philosophies of the left wing part of the democratic party. Go Tony!! No more taxes!
ReplyDeleteMele caught exaggerating about his Ramapo Supervisor run:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thealbanyproject.com/diary/8281/ny17-tony-meles-math-problem
Mele is an extraordinary speaker. The Bronx native is a true people's candidate.
ReplyDeleteI love the pocket Constitution. I also like how this Bronx boy has come home to make good and help his old neighborhood. That says a lot about Mele's character.
Anthony Mele is all about common sense.
We all have been Taxed Enough Already!!!
He appears to be part of the Glen Beck/Rush Limbaugh lunatic fringe.
ReplyDeleteHe's also exaggerated (greatly) about his military awards. He's been found to have less than honest about an alleged award for valor he claims to have.
ReplyDeleteSee the list of phonies on the POW Network site:
http://www.pownetwork.org/phonies/phonies1236.htm
I don't really know what is going on in the Bronx nowadays as I have moved away over a decade ago. What I do know is that Tony Mele is a man of honor and integrity. For those of you that have not yet had the opportunity to meet with him personally, let me assure you he is an intelligent and extremely talented individual. He will focus those talents and intellect like a lazer on job creation, for a financially depressed area like the Bronx this will be a bonus. He believes in the ability of the individual to excel if only the constraints of over taxation, over regulation of the government were removed.
ReplyDeleteConversly his democratic rival Elliot Engel is an 11 term incumbent that believes in government dependence. Government dependence may as well be the new slavery as it offers no incentive to excel and grow. I believe, as does Tony in the ability of the individual.
If you are a republican remember to vote in the primary coming up on Sept. 14, as this will be crucial to seeing Tony on the ballot in November.
Only if we have a viable candidate on the ballot in November will there be any chance of removing the progressive Elliot Engel. Remember 11 terms 22 years, and what change have you seen for your district? Higher taxes overburdening business, stifling growth, more government regulation.
Is it not time for "Change" we can truly believe in?
www.meleforcongress.com The Right "Change" for the 17th. C/D.
I'd like to thank everyone for commenting here. Your perspectives are valuable and incorporated into improving my candidacy. Look for me in 2012. Thank you. Tony Mele
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