Community Corner

What Our Readers Think: Altschuler Endorsed by Independence Party

A round-up of reader's thoughts on the Randy Altschuler's Independence Party enforcement.

Patch readers had a lot to say about an announcment this week that Republican Congressional candidate Randy Altschuler received the endorsement of the Independence Party — a party line that Democratic incumbent Tim Bishop had in 2010 when Altschuler narrowly lost to him.  Bishop received 7,370 votes on the Independence Line, while he ended ahead of Altschuler by just 593 votes.

The following is a round-up of what our readers had to say. Keep the conversation going and post your thoughts in the comment section below.

wrote, "Perhaps in years past the Independence Party endorsement was important. However, its recent history of reversing local branches' endorsements and imposing its own make it clear that it is wholly a creature of its chairman, Frank MacKay, and no more than a signboard for the expression of his eclectic political preferences.

Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Bayswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

said, "It is important, because this one act is going to cost Bishop the election."

Jeff commented via Southampton Patch's Facebook page, "Excellent choice - he is by far a better candidate than Bishop"

Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Bayswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

said, "I guess the independence party is proud to support the outsourcing of American jobs."

wrote, "Party Chairman Frank MacKay said Altschuler received the endorsement 'by virtue of his background as a self-made businessman who came from humble beginning to achieve the American Dream.' He left off the rest of the sentence...'by destroying American jobs.' There, fixed it for you!"

said, "'...received the endorsement 'by virtue of his background'" Yes, and I have a charming bridge for sale between Manhattan and Brooklyn!"

said, "Great! Congratulations to Altschuler for this small win."

said, "The Independence party endorsement serves as a handy source of income for the Frank MacKay family and has never stood for any principles other than its survival on the ballot. Most voters registered as members of the party don't even realize that they did so. I guess Altschuler outbid Bishop in bucks for he party."

said, "I served served several years as the Chairman of the Independence Party in Southampton. I met many wonderful people during that time, one of them was Tim Bishop. Tim epitomizes the values of the Independence Party. Frank McKay is the Suffolk County Chairman, the New York State Chairman and the National Chair, it is his bat and his ball... the Party has lost its direction. It saddens me that a fine man as Tim Bishop has lost the support of the Party, he has my support and he will get my vote in November!"

said, "Anyone familiar with the Independent Party's heirarchy knows how far a dollar can go to securing their nomination. As Randy's friend was quoted as saying, Altschuler 'will do anything to get elected.' Interpretation: Another political whore."

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here