Steve Harrison for Congress

Background:

Steve grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, amidst the rubble of the homes destroyed by Robert Moses to make way for the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. "That experience," says Steve, "shaped my life-long commitment to community preservation and forged an emotional connection to Staten Island where so many of my displaced friends moved."

Now, as a son, a husband, a father, a brother, a lawyer and a small business owner, he understands the challenges faced by people on both sides of the bridge. Steve and his wife of 34 years - and both of their children - live in Bay Ridge. His mother and sister live on the Island.

For decades, Steve has been active in local governmental, educational, political and civic organizations. As Chair of Community Board 10, he spearheaded many initiatives including the largest rezoning in Brooklyn's history.

Steve is an avid runner. Two days before Election Day 2006, he ran his 5th marathon, touching both Staten Island and Brooklyn.

"Before I knew I was running for Congress I promised my daughter I would run the New York City Marathon with her," said Steve. He continued, "I keep my promises."

Goals:

Steve entered the '06 Congressional race because, like so many people, he was frustrated by NY 13th Congressional District incumbent Vito Fossella's blind support for George W. Bush, and his lack of respect for our Constitution. The district includes Staten Island and southwest Brooklyn. It is the only New York City Congressional seat held by a Republican.

Volunteers form all over the City rallied behind Steve's message of hope. Defying the pundits, Steve amassed nearly 44% of the vote - a Democratic record - despite being outspent 13 to 1. In the process, he bankrupted Fossella's $1.5M war chest.

With the 2% boost that traditionally is associated with the Democrat's new "Line-A" ballot position, Steve heads into the '08 election needing to close a gap of less than five points TO WIN.

The divided nature of the district means that any challenger must run this race at least twice to build the cross-bridge name recognition and credibility to win.

Building on the name recognition and credibility he gained in 2006, with your support, Steve is well positioned to win in 2008.

Steve's goals in office is to bring progressive values to New York's 13th Congressional District.

Issues:

1) Fighting to attain universal healthcare. Steve is a strong supporter of the HR 676, which implements single-payer healthcare.

2) Steve supports an immediate end to the War in Iraq. He wants to withdraw our troops quickly and responsibly.

3) Protecting our environment and combating the immediate threat of global warming.

Grassroots Support:

Grassroots organizing will play a major role in our campaign. He believes in the philosophies of former Vermont Governor Howard Dean in that grassroots organizing and neighborhood organizing should be the central theme of every campaign operation.

DFA Values:

Steve is strong supporter or marriage equality, repealing the Patriot Act and restoring our constitution, protecting a woman's right to choose, attaining full federal funding for stem cell research and affirmative action.

As a practicing attorney and small business owner, Steve understands the importance of fiscal responsibility. The Bush Administration has put this country into heavy financial debts and as a Member of Congress, Steve will work hard to going back to the days of the Clinton Administration, when we had a balanced budget. In ending the War in Iraq, Steve supports taking those dollars and reinvesting them into our economy, our educational system and domestic programs.