Albany Watch

After Rep. Michael Arcuri’s no vote on the federal health-care legislation, four labor and activist groups wrote a letter today to Democratic Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito, D-Utica, asking to not headline a fundraiser for him Monday in Albany.

The $500 a head fundraiser is being held at the Albany offices of Capitol Public Strategies, a lobbying firm that’s home to a number of former aides to Republican Gov. George Pataki.

The letter was signed by Kevin Finnegan, political director for 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East; Karen Scharff, executive director for Citizen Action of New York; Chris Shelton, vice president of CWA District 1; and Dan Cantor, executive director of the Working Families Party.

“In light of Congressman Michael Arcuri’s recent vote against the historic healthcare reform bill, we urge you to cancel the upcoming fundraiser you are hosting on his behalf this Monday, March 29th at the offices of Capitol Public Strategies,” the letter reads.

“Congressman Arcuri’s vote against healthcare reform was a betrayal to all working Americans struggling with sky rocketing healthcare costs during this economic recession. By voting ‘No,’ Congressman Arcuri has sent a clear message that he stands with big insurance companies and not the middle-class families he was elected to represent.”

Here’s the full letter.

Joint Letter to Destito