Michael Arcuri

Are you looking for something to do today? Would you like to send a letter to the newly elected Representative from NY's 24th? Michael Arcuri was elected in November, 2006 to represent the NY 24th. He's a Democrat, the former prosecutor for Utica.

He's got a lot of positions that I like, and some folks may consider him a liberal. Except. When he was asked at campaign stops about HR 6166--the torture bill, he said that if he had been in Congress, he would have supported it.

In other words, Mr. Arcuri is not a big fan of the ancient principle of habeas corpus. It leaves me a bit troubled, does this. It's not some small inconsistency that's the hobgoblin of little minds; to me, it's a giant inconsistency that makes me wonder what other rights Mr. Arcuri believes to be expendable in the "war on terror."

Today, The US Court of Appeals denied the right of detainees at Guantanamo to have their cases reviewed by civilian courts. The US Court of Appeals wrote that habeas corpus does not apply to aliens held on US soil. You can read the judgment here in PDF--all 59 pages of it.

Then, if you like, you can drop Congressman Arcuri an e-mail here. Just ask him what exactly he thinks of this ruling.

I did something I haven't done in a while: I went to hear a candidate speak.

I know that I announced my public divorce from the Democrats last year, but I moved to a small town, and the next thing I knew, I was asked to become politically active. I don't know if my doorbelling days are fast re-approaching, but at least I've met a candidate who I can believe in.



So I'd like to introduce you all to Michael A. Arcuri, who is running for the vacant 24th Congressional District seat in New York State, currently held by a Republican who's retiring.

Arcuri has been the District Attorney for Oneida County for 13 years.
Arcuri is charismatic. Not surprising for someone who was a football All-American, went to law school, and is a black belt in Tae Kwan Do. He carries himself with grace and ease, but when he speaks, his passion takes over. And I like passion.

Here are some of the highlights from his talk. I am paraphrasing from my notes, but you can check his positions on his Web site to confirm that I'm stating them accurately.

IRAQ: