QUEENS — City Councilman Dan Halloran fired a shot across the bow of Assemblywoman Grace Meng's campaign Monday, saying that the Bayside Democrat had something to hide if she didn't agree to a series of five televised debates in the race for New York's 6th congressional district seat.
"I am running a substantive campaign, based on the issues that matter to New Yorkers," Halloran, a Republican, said in a statement.
"If my opponent is doing the same, she’ll happily agree to debate me five times on television. If she won’t, New Yorkers have to ask themselves, 'what does Grace Meng have to hide?'"
Meng, who recently won the Democratic primary for the district, accepted idea of debating Halloran, but wants to let the area's civic associations sponsor the debates.
"Assemblywoman Meng will gladly debate Dan Halloran and his support for the radical, ultraconservative, republican agenda, including his plans to privatize Social Security, pass The Ryan budget and continue the failed economic policies focused on supporting the wealthiest 1% of Americans," said Meng spokesperson Austin Finan.
Halloran, who ran unopposed in last month's republican primary, is at a heavy financial disadvantage against Meng.
According to Federal Election Commission reports, Halloran's campaign has raised only $18,915 in campaign contributions as of June 30. Meanwhile Meng, who dispatched three challengers to win her party's nomination, raised $754,685 as of June 15, according to the most recent data available.
"I have a plan to create jobs, cut taxes and spending and get our country back on track from Day 1," Halloran said.
"My opponent, best as I can tell, has recycled statements from liberal special interest groups."
