Democrat Zephyr Teachout said Monday that she wants to debate two wealthy hedge fund managers who are helping to fund a super PAC supporting her GOP opponent, John Faso.
Teachout, the anti-corruption crusader and Fordham University law professor, issued the debate challenge to Paul Singer and Robert Mercer at a press conference in Kingston Monday. The two have contributed $1.1 million altogether to the New York Wins PAC, a super PAC (political action committee) that’s supporting Faso.
“The voters deserve to hear directly from the billionaires backing John Faso about what they expect to get from him in Congress. When someone writes a $500,000 check they don’t do it out of the goodness of their heart. These are people probably trying to buy power, and voters should know who they are and what they stand for. I’m challenging Paul Singer and Robert Mercer to put your mouth where your money is and debate me directly, not through your mouthpiece,” Teachout said.
Faso, a lawyer, former assemblyman and lobbyist, and Teachout are vying for an open seat in New York’s 19th Congressional District. Retired Army colonel Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, who now holds the seat, isn’t seeking another term. In a release, Teachout said the men are trying to buy power.
Federal Election Commission records show that Mercer, a financial consultant of Renaissance Technologies in East Setauket, gave $500,000 to New York Wins PAC. Paul Singer, CEO of Elliott Management Corporation, has given $600,000. Forbes says Mercer is worth $150 million and manages a $29 billion hedge fund. Singer, from New York City, is worth $2.2 billion and manages a $27 billion hedge fund, according to Forbes.
Super PACs can accept unlimited amount of money to support a candidate so long as they don’t coordinate with that candidate.
Teachout also released a video to go along with her call for a debate with the hedge fund managers.
The 19th district includes parts or all of 11 counties, including all of Ulster and Sullivan.