For much of their first televised debate, Rep. Michael Grimm and his Democratic challenger, Domenic Recchia threw barbs back and forth, lobbing attacks of incompetence and lying. NY1′s Courtney Gross filed the following report.
In their first televised sitdown, Rep. Michael Grimm and his challenger, Domenic Recchia, did not hide their hostility.
Recchia: You are facing a 20-count criminal indictment. Face the fact.
Grimm: And you’re incompetent.
The pair dramatically sparred on stage during a debate hosted by Up Close with Diana Williams.
Recchia: You’re not at the table! And you won’t be at the table.
Grimm: How would you know? You’re not in Congress. How would you know?
Among the topics for discussion included Grimm’s vote on sequestration three years ago.
Grimm: Ninety-four democrats voted for it.
*arguing*
Grimm: Have you brought that up with Steve Israel?
Recchia: You’re running against me, so let’s talk about my record against your record.
Grimm: Have you asked Steve Israel why he cut funding?
Recchia: Why don’t you talk about why you voted for that and you hurt the people of your district.
Another topic discussed was Domenic Recchia’s record as a city councilman for Coney Island.
Grimm: You did not vote for congestion pricing? Yes or no.
Recchia: I did not vote to raise the tolls. I did not vote to raise the tolls. I did not vote to raise the tolls.
Recchia repeatedly attacked Grimm for facing a 20-count indictment. The congressman was charged in April with tax fraud and perjury.
Grimm: I have never been interviewed by the U.S. Attorney, so how could I have lied to ‘em?
Recchia: You’re indicted for lying under oath.
Grimm: What you are saying is not true.
However, the former councilman was forced to defend his competency. Twice, he appeared to not be able to deliver specifics on issues recently before Congress.
Recchia: Before he was indicted, the flood insurance bill was passed. And what he’s not telling you -
Williams: Which bill are you talking about?
Recchia: The flood insurance bill.
Williams: What’s the name of that bill?
Recchia: The bill that would lower premiums.
Williams: It’s the Biggert-Waters Act.
Not surprisingly, following the debate, both candidates were claiming victory.
“I tried to be a gentleman about it, but you know, at the same time, I’m not going to be pushed around by Domenic Recchia or anyone else,” Grimm said.
“I think I did extremely well today, and we got our point across that this district deserves someone better,” Recchia said.
These candidates will have another opportunity to face off. NY1 is hosting a debate on October 28.
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