Staten Island
	Candidates For Staten Island, Brooklyn Congressional Seat Square Off
October 09, 2006 The race for a congressional seat in Staten Island and Brooklyn isn't considered to be all that competitive. But that didn't stop the incumbent and his challenger from mixing it up at a heated debate today. Our Albany reporter Josh Robin was there and has this report. It was a fiery forum on Staten Island. "This is against American principles, against the Constitution, I will never ever abide by that," said Democratic Challenger Steve Harrison. Fosella and his Democratic challenger sparred in their first debate. It got so feisty an audience member lectured them. "There's not one person who tells the truth – you're nothing but a bunch of liars!" she said, to great cheers. Harrison is a lawyer from Brooklyn. He's wielding discontent with President George W. Bush to deny Fosella another term in Congress. The district has more registered Democrats, but usually votes Republican, electing Fossella in 1997. Fossella says he's independent of the president, but on the Iraq war, they are very similar. "When it comes to engaging the terrorists – wherever they may be – this great country doesn't cut and run," said Fossella. Harrison says Fossella supports torture. The congressman says he supports only lawful aggressive interrogation. He paints his opponent as soft on preventing attacks, and cites the firefighters and police officers who live on the island. "We have an additional obligation, Mr. Harrison, to ensure that we are never attacked again," said Closer to home, Harrison is pushing putting in an EZ Pass only toll on both sides of the Verazzano. Staten Islanders and Brooklynites in his district wouldn't have to pay. Fossella says it would worsen traffic. Harrison got a very warm reception – maybe even more applause than the congressman. But by all accounts, the challenger has a long road ahead of him. Fosella is way ahead in fundraising and though there haven't been any independent polls done, many people here say they weren't ready to turn against the incumbent. Harrison is demanding more help from his party. "I am absolutely positive that the pundits in my party will eventually come through because they will understand that I can take Vito Fossella and I will take Vito Fossella," said Harrison. Whether he will upset Fosella remains to be seen. What is known is that there's still heat in this race and the intensity will grow. The candidates face off in another four debates. – Josh Robin