Staten Islanders Weigh In On Times' Investigations Of Grimm
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While Staten Island Congressman Michael Grimm tries to rally his troops by attacking The New York Times, voters in his district are debating what to make of the various allegations of potential illegal campaign fundraising. Borough Reporter Amanda Farinacci filed the following report. Congressman Michael Grimm is on the defense. On Tuesday night, during an appearance on NY1's "Inside City Hall," the freshman congressman fielded questions about recent articles in the New York Times that raised questions about his fundraising practices, including whether he accepted campaign donations over the legal limit.
In St. George on Staten Island's North Shore, his constituents weighed in on Wednesday.
"It took me by surprise because he seemed like a straight shooter. I'm not saying he's not, but all these allegations come out. Where there's always smoke, there's fire," said a local.
"I read about it, but I take everything with a grain of salt," said another.
Grimm emphatically denies any wrongdoing. But he is embroiled in scandal just as he gears up for re-election in the district that covers Staten Island and a small portion of Brooklyn.
The first Times article raised questions about his fundraising practices, as well as his campaign's involvement with an Israeli citizen who is currently under investigation by the FBI.
Follow-up articles raised concerns about real estate deals he made in Texas before he was elected.
GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney's campaign then distanced itself from Grimm, saying it no longer need the congressman as a convention delegate.
Finally, earlier this week, a Grimm staffer, Liam McCabe, was arrested and charged with assaulting the staffer's 14-year-old son.
"It makes me think that maybe I wouldn't vote for him, because so many things are going on. It's just ridiculous," said a Staten Islander.
Political analysts say it is too soon to tell what if any impact the allegations could have on Grimm's re-election campaign. But there's one thing that could change everything — criminal charges.
"If it dies out, the congressman is probably fine. If there's an indictment coming down the road or even a campaign violation that results in a fine, he may have to ward that off," said College of Staten Island professor Richard Flanagan.
Grimm says the allegations are part of a smear campaign by his political opponents and he is ready for the fight of his career.