Weprin’s GOP Opponent Disparages 9/11 Health Care Bill

Jason Attermann — August 25, 2011 – 2:16 pm | Republicans Comments (0) Add a comment

Bob Turner, the Republican candidate in New York’s 9th Congressional district special election, upset many New Yorkers when he suggested that the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act not cover rescue and recovery volunteers. As Turner told New York Daily News:

‘I think it is a little too broad,’ Turner said.

‘My call would be to protect police, fire, emergency workers, construction workers, etc.

‘If someone said, “I volunteered” or walked through there, it’s just not the type,’ added Turner, who faces Democrat David Weprin in the Sept. 13 special election.

David Weprin, Turner’s Democratic opponent, released a statement that expressed his opposition to Turner’s comments:

I’m absolutely appalled by the fact that anyone would oppose assistance for the brave volunteers who sacrificed their own health- and in, some cases, lives-to help victims and clean up Ground Zero. .... That tragic day and in the weeks following, these exceptional volunteers ignored their own lives, their own health, and their own livelihoods to help us, to restore our city. I would hope that any American, let alone someone who wants to represent New York City in Congress, would appreciate their contribution.

Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Jerry Nadler (D-NY), two authors of the Zadroga bill, also slammed Turner’s remarks. According to their joint statement posted by Capital Tonight:

Bob Turner’s blatant disregard for the sacrifices made by volunteers in the aftermath of 9/11 is outrageous and offensive.

These brave men and women put themselves at risk to help their fellow New Yorkers and the very least we can do is to support them in their efforts to combat the injuries and illnesses sustained during their rescue efforts. Bob Turner has proven once and for all that he has no business representing New Yorkers in Congress.

Representative Peter King (R-NY), another author of the bill, expressed his disappointment with Turner’s position. As New York Daily News reported:

Even fellow Republican Rep. Peter King - who supports Turner - was not thrilled with Turner’s critique. ‘There is plenty of protection in the bill,’ King said, to keep fake ‘volunteers’ from collecting hard-won tax dollars.

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