New York: Hanna Hits Arcuri on Support for Health Care Bill

By Emily Cadei | November 10, 2009 2:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Construction executive and 2008 Republican congressional candidate Richard Hanna dipped his toe into 2010 politics Tuesday with a press release condemning Rep. Michael Arcuri, D-N.Y., for backing the House's health care bill (HR 3962).

Hanna lost to Arcuri, 48 percent to 52 percent, in 2008 and is continuing to mull another run, but until now has stayed out of the public eye. Spokeswoman Renee Gamela said Hanna "felt compelled" to issue the release, the only one he has sent out so far this cycle, "because it's such an important issue," but she noted that it does not indicate any imminent announcement about his 2010 plans. Gamela, who worked on Hanna's 2008 campaign, added that she was not currently on his staff and simply stepped in to help distribute the release.

In the statement, Hanna calls the bill, which passed the House Nov. 7, "well intentioned but ill-conceived."

"It expands government by placing health care under additional government controls but does nothing to improve the quality of health care," he said. "I am disappointed that once again Michael Arcuri has voted with Speaker Pelosi and against the interest of Upstate New York."

No one has yet announced plans to run against Arcuri, who won the 24th District's open-seat race in 2006. Hanna, who is capable of self-funding, represents the GOP's best hope to mount a serious challenge to the second-term Democrat in what remains a swing district.

CQ Politics rates the general election contest Leans Democratic.

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