Political Scene: From the Rochester Perspective

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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Unions Say Kuhl "Failed To Meet Cut," Cancels Oak Hill Fundraiser

The Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, is saying that Rep. Randy Kuhl, R-Hammondsport, Steuben County, has canceled his planned two-day golf fundraiser at Oak Hill Country Club because of pressure from local union workers.

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Kuhl was set to host a $2,500 per player, two-day fundraising event starting today with House Republican Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri.

But Kuhl has apparently canceled after local labor leaders planned to protest outside today.

“Although it has not yet changed on Kuhl’s fundraising firm's website: Kuhl will likely claim this change was designed to help him "prepare" for his debate with Eric Massa last evening," said Jim Bertolone, right, president of the labor federation.

"This is simply untrue. Kuhl is fearful of facing the working men and women of his district because he has failed to get his job done. He is afraid to come face to face with local labor because he already knows his performance review will be abysmal."

Bertolone added, "By canceling his golf outing, even Randy Kuhl understands that his performance has failed to meet the cut."There was no immediate comment from Kuhl's campaign.

Kuhl's campaign offered no immediate comment.