ICYMI: North Shore Leader Endorses Robert Zimmerman, Condemns Santos’ Extremism

The conservative North Shore Leader broke from its habit of endorsing Republicans and endorsed Democrat Robert Zimmerman for NY-03 because GOP extremist George Santos is “so bizarre, unprincipled and sketchy” that they refused to back him.

The conservative Leader dedicated the overwhelming majority of its column space to excoriating Santos:

“Santos has been all over the map on abortion – and on Ukraine. He brags about his “wealth” and his “mansions” in the Hamptons – but he really lives in a row house in Queens. He boasts like an insecure child – but he’s most likely just a fabulist – a fake.”

The Leader also cited perceived patterns of financial impropriety, both in Santos’s business career and his campaign finance reports:

“In 2020 Santos, then age 32, was the NY Director of a nearly $20 million venture fund called “Harbor City Capital” – until the SEC shut it down as a “Ponzi Scheme.”  Over $6 million from investors was stolen – for personal luxuries like Mercedes cars, huge credit card bills, and a waterfront home – and millions from new investors were paid out to old investors. Classic Bernie Madoff “Ponzi scheme” fraud.”

“Santos’ campaign raises similar concerns. On paper Santos has raised over $2 million. But the money seems to have vanished – or never been there. Huge sums are listed with the FEC for personal expenses – like Brooks Brothers, Florida beach resorts, lavish restaurants and limo services – but many hundreds of thousands more disappear into a black hole of dubious “consulting fees.”

While the Leader typically won’t endorse a Democratic candidate, it was clear-cut in endorsing Robert Zimmerman as a bipartisan “gentleman” who is the obvious choice for voters in the Third Congressional District.

DCCC Spokesperson Ian Clarke: 
“Long Islanders across the political spectrum recognize that there are basic, minimal standards that public servants need to meet, and that’s why independents and even Republicans are choosing Robert Zimmerman over George Santos. Santos is an extremist who lacks the character and competence to represent this district.”

Read the full endorsement:
The North Shore Leader – Endorsement: Robert Zimmerman for U.S. Congress 

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