Republican U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon said she’s all for religious freedom, but still not keen about the idea of Muslims praying near Ground Zero.
“For me, the location of the mosque in this particular area kind of rubs salt in the wounds … of a horrific day in our history,” she said Tuesday.
Click the video to see her full response. The question about the mosque is posed to her at about 47 seconds in.
The campaign of McMahon’s opponent, Democratic candidate Richard Blumenthal, issued the following comment Wednesday morning:
“This issue is highly sensitive and deeply personal for many people in Connecticut, New York and around the country. While Dick believes this issue should be decided at the local level, he hopes that local leaders will make the decision after reviewing all factors, and that they will give serious consideration to the wishes of those who were directly affected by the 9 – 11 tragedy.”
McMahon, fresh off her victory in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, toured Howe Avenue Tuesday afternoon, chatting up small business owners and employees.
McMahon took questions from the Valley Independent Sentinel. The questions — with the exception of one about a proposed mosque in lower Manhattan — were submitted by Valley Indy Facebook readers.
Thomas Harbinson asked “What is your definition of leadership?” and “Summarize your campaign in three words.”
Eddie Tatro asked what McMahon would do to alleviate the tax burden on “the middle class and working poor.”
Danielle Ann Michaud-Elwood asked what is McMahon is going to do “for our children, their services, and education?”
Click the video to watch McMahon’s answers.
Meanwhile, Shelton workers who talked to McMahon Tuesday described how the recession has affected business.
Mark Dynerski, owner of the Dunkin’ Donuts on Howe Avenue, said the drop in the construction industry had a direct affect on coffee sales.
“Those are the guys that are going to stop and get a Box of Joe, and a dozen donuts. They’re spending thirty, forty dollars a day, bringing it to the job site, and that’s
what’s missing from my business,” Dynerski said.
At Liquid Lunch, Alexis Gulas told McMahon that the shop has tried many sale tactics, but is still losing customers. They have cut back most employees to part-time. Their once-thriving business has seen a drop in catering, carry-out and in-house dining.
“It used to be nonstop. It used to be crazy, from here to here, for about a good two hours,” she said, gesturing from the counter to the end of the display case. “Now, we
have that kind of business … for a half hour.”
