Paladino Joins Pledge To Not Build Downtown Mosque

By: Grace Rauh

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The controversy around a planned Islamic community center and mosque near the World Trade Center site may be dying down, but Republican Candidate for Governor Carl Paladino is trying to resurrect the issue days before the election. NY1's Grace Rauh filed the following report.

If the polls are to be believed, Republican Carl Paladino needs a major, game-changing boost to put him over the top on Election Day. Perhaps he thinks his opposition to a planned Islamic community center and mosque -- two blocks from the World Trade Center site -- will help him out.

"This attempt to create an affront, a symbol of conquest, a symbol of triumph over the American people will never happen," Paladino told reporters Wednesday.

Paladino says as governor he will use every legal option available to block the project. But he didn't cite any specific authority a governor would have to accomplish that.

"Where there's a will, there's a way. And I learned that, number one, in law school. We'll find it and we'll stop it," Paladino said.

Paladino also signed his name Wednesday to the so-called Hard Hat Pledge. By doing so, he's promising to not do any work to help build the Islamic center. His Democratic opponent, Andrew Cuomo, has stuck up for religious freedom when asked about the project. Paladino says he's standing up for something different.

"It's a right of the American people. We will not be apologists to anybody," he said.

The World Trade Center rally capped off a busy day of campaigning which started on
on Staten Island.

Paladino signed placemats at a diner and hob-nobbed with supporters.

"This guy is honest and he's got my backing," said one Staten Islander.

Ferry commuters on their way to Manhattan proved to be a tougher crowd. Republican Congressional candidate Michael Grimm was also there, but kept his distance.

"I just saw him now. I didn't even know he was here. I think he just got here a few minutes ago," Grimm told reporters.

Outside the World Trade Center Site, however, there were several New Yorkers proud to stand with Paladino.

"That you are standing tall with us against the victory mosque. That's enough for me to vote for you as a governor. Just that one issue alone," said one supporter.