- Matthew Zeller
-
Matt Zeller 
Democratic nominee for
U.S. House of Representatives from New Yorks's 29th districtElection date
November 2, 2010Opponent(s) Tom Reed (R) Incumbent Eric Massa (D) Personal details Born Rochester, New York Political party Democratic Residence Victor, New York Alma mater Hamilton College (B.A., 2004),
Syracuse University (MA, 2006)Occupation CIA security analyst Website Zeller for Congress Military service Service/branch United States Army Matthew C. "Matt" Zeller is a United States Army veteran of the Afghan War and the 2010 Democratic nominee for New York's 29th congressional district.[1]
Contents
Early life, education and career
Zeller grew up in Rochester, New York and attended the Allendale Columbia School in Pittsford. He is a 2004 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Hamilton College with a major in government. In 2005, he graduated first in his class from the Army's Military Intelligence Officer's basic course. He earned master's degrees in public administration and international relations from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University in 2006. He is also a graduate of the Army's Combat Advisor's course. He deployed to Afghanistan in April, 2008 where he served at the Ghazni Forward Operating Base. He wore many hats, serving as the unit's Intelligence Officer, Operations Officer, Air Logistics Officer, and head of all human assistance missions.
Upon Zeller's return from Afghanistan, he was a security analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).[2] Officially, he lives with his aunt and uncle at their home in Victor.[3] According to Zeller, he had made the decision to return permanently to Victor on the same day that Eric Massa announced his retirement.[4]
2010 U.S. Congressional campaign
Main article: New York's 29th congressional district elections, 2010See also: United States House of Representatives elections in New York, 2010#District 29*District 29 was an open seat, due to the resignation of Eric Massa. Zeller lost to Republican, Conservative and Independence Party nominee Tom Reed.
Political positions
Zeller is a former Republican who supported the first Presidential campaign of John McCain in 2000.[5]
- He describes himself as pro-choice; "Just like I don't think the government should be in your gun cabinet, I don't think they should be in your doctor's office either." He also believes abortions should be safe, legal, and rare.
- He has not indicated how he would have voted on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and has not taken a stand on the individual mandate, though he is against repealing the legislation. ;[6]
- He speaks favorably of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act;
- He opposes privatization of Social Security;[7]
- He opposes drilling in the Marcellus Formation;[8]
- He opposes don't ask, don't tell;[9]
- He supports the Employee Free Choice Act;[9]
- He is supportive of the current operations in Afghanistan; and
- He also supports the creation of a Palestinian state.[4]
References
- ^ Kraushaar, Josh. "Dems tap candidate for Massa seat." Politico
- ^ With his hat in the ring, Zeller showing the man under the brim. The Evening Tribune. (Hornell, NY). Retrieved 2010-05-09.
- ^ "Zeller For Congress, Officially (Updated)". Capitaltonight.com. 2010-04-19. http://capitaltonight.com/2010/04/zeller-for-congress-officially/. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
- ^ a b Miller, Rick (2010-06-09). Visit home compelled Zeller to run. Olean Times Herald. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
- ^ Terreri, Jill (2010-04-07). Democrats pick Rochester native Zeller to run for Massa's seat. Gannett. Retrieved 2010-04-19.
- ^ Terreri, Jill (2010-04-27). 29th District candidate Zeller cites family roots in Southern Tier. Gannett. Retrieved 2010-05-03.
- ^ "News - Zeller opposes privatizing Social Security". Olean Times Herald. http://www.oleantimesherald.com/news/article_fbed12d2-aa2d-11df-baa1-001cc4c002e0.html. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
- ^ Recotta, Bob (2010-04-28). From soldier to politician: Democratic candidate Zeller talks to The Leader. The Leader (Corning, NY). Retrieved 2010-05-03.
- ^ a b Price, Rob. Reed, Zeller continue debates, clash over gays in military. twintierslive.com. Retrieved 2010-10-23.
External links
- Zeller for Congress official campaign site
- Biography, voting record, and interest group ratings at Project Vote Smart
- Campaign finance reports and data at the Federal Election Commission
- Financial information at OpenSecrets.org
Categories:- Living people
- New York Democrats
- Syracuse University alumni
- Hamilton College (New York) alumni
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