Two cars have reportedly hit head on in the area of 6758 Alleghany Road, Alabama.

Three people are apparently uninjured and a fourth person has an ankle injury.

Alabama Fire Department is on site. Mercy EMS is responding.

UPDATE: 9:40 p.m. (Billie): The scene is clear. A male with an ankle injury was taken to UMMC. All responders back in service.

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Press release from Batavia Police Department:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating the larceny of several credit cards from the Dollar Tree located on West Main Street on April 20th. One of the cards was then used at another business in the area.

If anyone recognizes the subjects in the photos, or has any information related to this case, please contact Det. Kevin Czora at 585-345-6311.  Information may also be left on the police department’s Confidential Tip Line at 585-345-6370.

As part of this week's questions for candidates, we told the candidates that we would delay publishing answers if by the deadline (which was late this morning) one or more of the candidates hadn't responded.

But we also said we would update readers on the status of the questions and answers.

This week's topic (questions after the jump) is personal liberty.  

We've received responses from Ian Murphy, Kathy Hochul and Jane Corwin. We haven't received a response from Jack Davis.

I spoke with his representative this afternoon Curtis Ellis, who said the Davis campaign has just been kept very busy the past couple of days, but the answers would be forthcoming.

So, stay tuned for the answers as soon as we hear from Jack Davis.

What is your position on the 2nd Amendment – what controls, if any, should be placed on the right of a private citizen to own guns?

In February, the House voted to extend the Patriot Act. If you had represented the NY-26 at that time, how would you have voted?

Should marijuana be decriminalized at the Federal level?

What is your position on the controversy surrounding TSA scanners and enhanced pat downs?

Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank is trying to push through legislation to make playing online poker legal and to legalize online poker sites within the United States. Will you support such legislation?

Comments will continue to be accepted until June 23 on the Western New York Science Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park -- known as the STAMP project.

At the request of the Alabama Town Board, the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) has extended the deadline for residents to submit comments on the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement, or DGEIS.

Anyone wanting to weigh in on the Final Generic Impact Statement and what it should address or include can write to: Mark Masse, senior vice president of operations at GCEDC, 99 MedTech Drive, Suite 106, Batavia.

Last night, residents attended a public hearing at the town hall to voice their concerns, such as increased traffic, possible discharges into water during manufacturing processes and how Alabama would benefit by allowing the park to locate within its jurisdiction.

“The purpose of the meeting [last night] was to solicit comments and feedback from the public on the DGEIS which has been released for public review. The GCEDC believes that objectives of the meeting were met,” Masse said in a statement.

The site consists of about 1,300 acres along Route 77.

“The purpose of the project is to develop a high technology manufacturing center with a focus on renewable energy and to provide economic development opportunities within the region,” according to the draft plan.

While the first phase of construction could begin within the next few years, the park may not be fully developed for another 10 to 25 years.

The document says, “The DGEIS analyzes several alternatives for the STAMP site. The Preferred Alternative includes 6.1-million square feet of development, including, among other things, technology manufacturing facilities; flex space and support facilities, office space, retail support uses, a new multi-use Town Hall building site, and a network of open space and trails that meander throughout the property.”

In regard to bringing water to the proposed park, the DGEIS explains that a “phased approach” would be necessary.

“Water resources and large diameter water mains are very limited in the vicinity of the project area. This results in a challenging and complex situation to providing an adequate water supply to the STAMP site.”

Many sources were considered and studied because such a high-volume of water demand calls for more than one supplier, according to the document. A summary of the alternatives considered can be found here.

The DGEIS also includes -- in the Economic Impact Analysis -- projected decreases in property tax rates as follows:

The Town of Alabama could realize a decrease in the tax rate per $1,000 in value from $1.11 to 11 cents.

Genesee County could realize a decrease in the tax rate per $1,000 in value from $9.82 to $7.97.

Oakfield-Alabama School District could realize a decrease in the tax rate per $1,000 in value from $23.73 to $16.94.

GCEDC officials made clear in a statement that all comments received would be compiled into the Final Generic Impact Statement which, when finished, will be made available to the public at the Alabama Town Hall, GCEDC offices and online.

The second annual Refill-A-Thon is going to be held from 9 a.m. to noon, this Saturday, May 14, at Ferrellgas in Batavia. It's located at 655 Ellicott St.

Frank P. Nicolazzo, general manager of the location, says they'll be filling customers' 20-pound gas grill bottles for just a $5 donation to the Genesee County Cancer Assistance Fund.

Last year, more than $2,000 was raised for the American Red Cross and they hope to raise that much or more this year.

Ferrellgas is donating all of the propane, roughly 1,600 gallons, and its staff is volunteering to make this event a successful fund raiser for a terrific local charity.

Elba students were given today what firefighter Steve Hynesfisher called "shock camp" this morning, seeing firsthand what a fatal DWI accident scene is like, from the extrication, to Mercy Flight landing and the remains of a fellow student being placed in a body bag and carted away.

Hynsfisher drove the point home while narrating events. If this where a real accident, their fellow student was gone. All that was left was a body, no life, no person.

After the drill, Hynesfisher said he wanted the students to see that "one bad decision can ruin their lives and the life of somebody else."

"If we can change one person's mind," Hynesfisher added, "and keep them from drinking and driving, then we've done our job."

And Hynesfisher thinks the Elba Fire Department is getting through to students with the program. The department has been conducting these drills for four years and Hynesfisher said since they started, Elba has been fortunate to not have any serious, DWI-related accidents involving a Elba student since.

The drill provides students with a thorough dramatization of an accident scene, with all the power tools, medics and an actual Mercy Flight helicopter landing. Elba Superintendent Jerry Piwko said he believes the impact of a tragedy being portrayed in such a life-like performance really has an impact on students.

"We can call it a drill, but it's all there," Piwko said. "It looks real. It sounds real, but thank God the kids actually walk away."

ALSO: Elba is recruiting volunteers to join the fire deparment. Anybody interested in more information please call 757-9011. Support your local community: join your local volunteer fire deparment. All departments always have a variety of openings for people of just about all ages. A resource for potential volunteers is ReadyGenesee.com

Press Release:

(BATAVIA, NY) - Decorated combat veteran David Bellavia today accused Jane Corwin, the candidate of the Republican elite, of reneging on her commitment to self-fund her race - a broken promise that will cost real conservative Congressmen their seats in 2012.

"When the Erie County Republican chairman force-fed Jane Corwin to Western New York GOP organizations as his hand-picked candidate to replace Rep. Chris Lee, he said it was because she promised to spend $5 million on the race," Bellavia said. "Today it looks like she won't after all - and national Republican organizations are instead paying the bill."

"Where is Jane's $5 million?" Bellavia asked. "And why is she putting real conservative Congressmen at risk just to save a buck, when she's reportedly got $140 million in her checking account?"

To shore up one of the worst-run campaigns in recent Republican history, national GOP political action committess and their allies have committed to spending at least $1 million in the 26th Congressional District race. Bellavia said this puts more solid conservatives in harm's way in the next election cycle.

"Today Retired Army LTC Allen West, a combat veteran, is the number one target of the Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee in 2012 and they will pour millions of dollars into his opponent's campaign," Bellavia said. "Today Rep. West is the darling of the Tea Party movement and a potential candidate for Vice President - but because of Jane Corwin's miserable campaign, Rep. West and a dozen other targeted Republicans may not have the funding necessary to win in 2012."

"The only reason she was selected was because she could buy the seat herself," Bellavia said. "But now that the bill has arrived, Jane is headed to the powder room."

ABOUT DAVID BELLAVIA
David Bellavia is a former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant who served in the 1st Infantry Division (Task Force 2-2). He was recommended for the Medal of Honor, nominated for the Distinguished Service Cross, and received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Conspicuous Service Cross. In 2006 he was invited to attend the President's State of the Union address as an honored guest. In 2004, Bellavia was the subject of a Time Magazine cover story titled "Into the Hot Zone" which won a Pulitzer Prize. He is the author of the best selling book, "House to House," an account of his experience leading a platoon in the Battle of Fallujah published by the Free Press in 2007. Bellavia has endorsed Jack Davis in the hotly-contested special election, who is running on the Tea Party line.

Shyqwan D. Foster, 20, of 188 Elmdorf Ave., Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to dim headlights and moving from lane unsafely. Foster was stopped at 3:21 a.m. on West Main Street by Officer Darryl Streeter.

Ryan Charles Bishop, 20, of 9 Lathrop Ave., Le Roy, is charged with DWI and aggravated driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Bishop was stopped Friday morning in the Village of Le Roy by Le Roy Police.

Press release:

New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced that Richmond Memorial Library will receive $3,500 in funding from the Public Library Construction Grant Program for a replacement window in the Children’s Room. 

“This grant will serve as a reinvestment in Richmond Memorial Library in the City of Batavia and will ultimately allow existing patrons and future generations to enjoy all the services the library has to offer,” Senator Ranzenhofer said.

The grant funds are from $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2010 State Budget. Grants can pay up to a maximum of 50 percent of total eligible project costs and libraries must provide funds to pay for the remaining costs of the project. 

New York’s public libraries are in need of renovation and upgrading. A recent survey showed a documented need for public library construction and renovation projects totaling more than $2.5 billion. More than 40 percent of the public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Many of New York’s local public libraries are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, are energy inefficient, cannot provide internet and computer and other electronic technologies to users because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring. 

Project activities and expenditures eligible for grants from the $14 million Public Library Construction Grant Program include the renovation and/or rehabilitation of existing space, including roof replacement, purchase and installation of alternative energy resources and new HVAC systems, windows, doors, and lighting systems, electrical upgrades, and construction of new or replacement of old walkways and parking lots.

The Genesee Jaguars varsity lacrosse team took a semi-final playoff match over Depew Thursday evening at Genesee Community College by a score of 17-7.

The undefeated Jaguars will play for their league championship in Hamburg this evening.

The Jaguars are varsity high school players from throughout Genesee County, except Batavia High, which has its own lacrosse team. The Jaguars play in a six-team league of similar club teams.

More photos after the jump (photos may be purchased by clicking here).

(Photos may be purchased by clicking here).

Earlier this year, Corey Brown and a few of his college friends found themselves in a futile hunt for adult sports leagues to join in their spare time.

"We were searching around for leagues and eventually got sick of it," he said. "We wondered, 'Why can't you ever find sports leagues unless you hear about it from a friend of a friend of a friend?'"

Instead of giving up, Brown and his buddies got to work to solve the problem. They did more research and created the Web site, LeagueHound.com.

"Basically, we're doing the work for other adults like us who want to find sports leagues in their area," he explained.

Brown enlisted the help of his friends, Eric Bartz, Tyler Kossow and Candice Lymburner to get the project going. Now, LeagueHound is functioning quite well -- and is growing every day.

Although he isn't living in Batavia anymore, Brown (who is working on his master's degree at Niagara University) still has a soft spot for his hometown.

"Sports can mean a lot to someone from a small town and that's probably why this was so important to me," he said.

Brown admits that he knew nothing about creating Internet sites when he began, but by mid-February, he had learned the basics and began putting things together. When asked when the Web site would be finished, Brown laughed.

"It will never be finished. New sports leagues can always be added, and we're not trying to put something together for just Western New York or just New York state. Actually, at first we wanted to make a nationwide Web site, but we figured New York would be a good start."

After starting out in Buffalo and Rochester, Brown and his buddies have begun to branch out toward Syracuse scouting for sports leagues.

"We'll work towards the big cities and then try to fill in the gaps in between," he said.

Researching isn't easy, as the college students have found -- it takes weeks to get even a small city covered.

"You have to look in every community center and every bar...there are actually a lot of leagues out there, they are just hard to find. It's the most difficult thing to deal with but we want to be the ones to do it so our clientele doesn't have to."

LeagueHound.com is up and running -- ready for more sports leagues seeking players to send along their information and more potential players wanting some adult sports to enjoy.

Residents at Washington Towers were treated to an afternoon of music sung by Danielle DiStrefano, a classically trained soprano who performs opera, sacred songs, Broadway hits, love songs and ballads. It was part of a "Our Tribute Tea to Women" at the complex.

One of a series of loose manhole covers on Route 5 through the city damaged a truck driving on West Main Street early this morning.

The driver, Lawrence Tassone, 80, of Batavia was uninjured, but the axel on his truck was broken. 

After the manhole cover hit the truck, the truck drove up a curb near Union Street and the manhole cover flew some distance, according to WBTA's Dan Fischer, who happened upon the accident scene just before 5:30 a.m.

Route 5/Main Street, is the jurisdiction of the state Department of Transportation, but the manhole cover is owned by Verizon.

Lori Maher, spokeswoman for the DOT out of Rochester, said the DOT received a complaint from city officials about loose manhole covers in Batavia and determined these particular manhole covers were owned by Verizon, so Verizon was notifed.

This afternoon, after the manhole cover at Union Street came off again, the DOT sent a traffic safety truck to steer traffic around the loose cover and a crew was on its way to place a steel plate over the cover.

It will be up to Verizon to provide a long-term fix to the problem.

A spokesman for Verizon said a statement about the situation will be forthcoming, but The Batavian has not received it yet.

John Bonomo from Verizon released this statement: "We are aware of the situation and are working with a contractor to remedy the situation."

Maher said that as far as liability for damage to Tassone's truck, that matter has been turned over to an insurance company.

City officials say they contacted the DOT about the situation in January and that the problem isn't just with the manhole cover at Union Street, but that the problem extends with Verizon-owned manhole covers from Vine Street to Union.

The video above shows the wobbly manhole cover at Union.

Lakeshia Marie Pratt, 20, of Hazlewood Terrace, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Pratt is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Nadine Marie McClurg, 24, of Dewey Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of marijuana. McClurg is accused of shoplifting from Kmart. During her arrest, she was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Brianna Marie Kruppenbacher, 19, of Hutton Road, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Kruppenbacher is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Ronald M. Gervase, 66, of 242 N. Spruce St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and improper turn. Gervase was stopped on Swan Street at 5 p.m., Wednesday, by Officer Chris Camp.

Robert G. Whitehead, 20, of 143 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Whitehead is accused of harassing an acquaintance. He posted $100 bail.

A utility pole is reportedly on fire in the area of 9197 Alexander Road.

This is apparently the same pole that has caught on fire at least twice before in the past few weeks.

Town of Batavia fire is responding.

UPDATE 11:00 a.m.: The pole is smoldering. National Grid requested to the scene. The pole has nothing on it, but is touching the primary pole. It needs to be insulated. Town of Batavia Fire back in service. It's not the same pole as prior calls.

Press release:

Today's debate highlighted the clear differences between Kathy Hochul and Jane Corwin on a number of issues, including Medicare, NAFTA, Taxes, and Big Oil.

JANE CORWIN ON MEDICARE

Jane Corwin: "This is not a voucher system."
-WGRZ/Rochester Democrat & Chronicle Debate, 05/12/11

Corwin: I Would Have Voted For The 2012 House Budget

In a campaign statement, Corwin said she would have voted for the 2012 Republican budget.

“As a member of Congress, I would have voted both for this week’s plan to cut $38 billion and for the 2012 House budget resolution passed today,” Corwin said. [Capital Tonight, Jane Corwin Statement, 4/15/11 <http://www.capitaltonight.com/2011/04/corwin-i-would-have-voted-yes/> ]

Wall Street Journal: Republican Budget Would Essentially End Medicare

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Republican plan “would essentially end Medicare, which now pays most of the health-care bills for 48 million elderly and disabled Americans, as a program that directly pays those bills.” [Wall Street Journal, 4/04/11 <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703806304576240751124518520.html> ]

Alan S. Blinder: Republican Plan Threatens To Eviscerate Medicare

Alan S. Blinder, a former vice chairman of the Federal Reserve, said the Republican plan “threatens to eviscerate Medicare by privatizing it—with vouchers that, absent some sort of cost-control miracle, would fall further and further behind the rising cost of health insurance.” [Wall Street Journal, Alan S. Blinder Column, 4/19/11 <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703916004576270832244940992.html> ]

AARP: Premium Support System Would Dramatically Increase Costs For Medicare Beneficiaries

According to the AARP, the changing Medicare to a “premium support system would dramatically increase costs for Medicare beneficiaries while removing Medicare’s promise of secure health coverage—a guarantee that future seniors have contributed to through a lifetime of hard work.” [AARP, 4/19/11]

St. Petersburg Times: Seniors Would Have To Pay About $6,400 More

According to the St. Petersburg Times, under the Republican proposal for Medicare, “seniors would have to pay about $6,400 more than if the program were not changed, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.” [St. Petersburg Times, 4/22/11 <http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/medicine/proposed-medicare-cuts-bring-out-political-swords/1165237> ]

JANE CORWIN ON NAFTA

Jane Corwin, asked directly if she supports NAFTA, refuses to answer.
-WGRZ/Rochester Democrat & Chronicle Debate, 05/12/11

Financial Services Roundtable Supports The South Korea-U.S. Free Trade Deal

In April, The Financial Services Roundtable hosted a fundraiser for Corwin in Washington, D.C. [Roll Call, 4/27/11]

In December 2010, the Financial Services Roundtable issued a statement in support of the South Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. [The Financial Services Roundtable, 12/03/10]

Financial Services Roundtable: Colombia Free Trade Agreement Is Good For Economy

In 2008, the Financial Services Roundtable supported the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

“The Financial Services Roundtable supports the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement and believes it is an important step in strengthening American trade.” [Financial Services Roundtable, 4/07/08]

Financial Services Roundtable Supported NAFTA

In 1993 the Financial Services Roundtable, then known as the Bankers Roundtable, supported NAFTA, saying “NAFTA is demonstrably in the national interest.” [Bankers Roundtable, 11/15/93]

JANE CORWIN ON TAXES FOR MULTI-MILLIONAIRES AND BILLIONAIRES

Jane Corwin wants to cut taxes for multi-millionaires and billionaires
-WGRZ/Rochester Democrat & Chronicle Debate, 05/12/11

Corwin: I Would Have Voted For The 2012 House Budget

In a campaign statement, Corwin said she would have voted for the 2012 Republican budget.

“As a member of Congress, I would have voted both for this week’s plan to cut $38 billion and for the 2012 House budget resolution passed today,” Corwin said. [Capital Tonight, Jane Corwin Statement, 4/15/11 <http://www.capitaltonight.com/2011/04/corwin-i-would-have-voted-yes/> ]

Republican Budget Would Cut Taxes For Wealthy Americans

According to the Chicago Tribune, the 2012 Republican budget would “cut taxes for wealthy Americans.” [Chicago Tribune, 4/22/11]

Wall Street Journal Column: Budget Cuts Would Overwhelmingly Benefit The Rich

According to a column in the Wall Street Journal by Alan S. Blinder, the budget cuts in the 2012 Republican budget would overwhelmingly benefit the rich.

“How many Americans know that 72% of Mr. Ryan’s claimed budget cuts would go to fund tax cuts that overwhelmingly benefit the rich?” [Wall Street Journal, Alan S. Blinder Column, 4/19/11 <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703916004576270832244940992.html?mod=googlenews_wsj> ]

JANE CORWIN ON SUPPORTING BIG OIL

Jane Corwin says she supports cuts to oil subsidies, but the TRUTH is...
-WGRZ/Rochester Democrat & Chronicle Debate, 05/12/1]

Corwin: I Would Have Voted For The 2012 House Budget

In a campaign statement, Corwin said she would have voted for the 2012 Republican budget.

“As a member of Congress, I would have voted both for this week’s plan to cut $38 billion and for the 2012 House budget resolution passed today,” Corwin said. [Capital Tonight, Jane Corwin Statement, 4/15/11 <http://www.capitaltonight.com/2011/04/corwin-i-would-have-voted-yes/> ]

Republican Budget  Protects Subsidies For Big Oil

When asked by Chris Wallace of Fox News if the Republican budget eliminated tax breaks for oil companies, Rep. Ryan said, “the problem with our deficit is not because Americans are taxed too little.” [The New York Times, 4/06/11 <http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/06/clean-energy-is-a-target-of-ryan-budget-plan/> ]

The big overnight news in the NY-26 special election race to replace Shirtless Chris Lee is a video posted by the Erie County GOP that purports to show Jack Davis and an aide assaulting a person with a video camera.

Watch the video yourself and decide -- Did Jack Davis hit the camera operator or just shove the camera out of his face? 

Nick Langworthy freely admits that the camera operator works for the GOP, telling the New York Daily News, "[A] Young Republican volunteer [was] just asking Davis after his event why he pulled out of the debate. Other than that, I guess the video speaks for itself. Davis certainly does not have the temperament to serve in Congress if he can't handle tough questions from a tracker."

Shortly after the video was released, David Bellavia, who earlier endorsed registered Republican Davis, posted on his Twitter account, "GOP sent thugs to name-call and attack Jack Davis, even shoved his aide. Release both the uncut tapes Langworthy or you are a coward!"

WHEC posted a written statement from the Jack Davis campaign:

"Producers of this theatrical video have no respect for the truth. They lie about their own record. They lie about Jack Davis' record. Now they're fabricating an incident to distract us from their own failed policies that destroyed our economy and outsourced our jobs. This is the Blair Witch Project of video sensationalism. We see shaky camera moves and bad sound effects trying to make something out of nothing. The producers of this film will do anything to prevent Jack Davis from getting to Washington."

It's apparently not the first time a GOP operative has dogged Davis at a campaign event that provoked a response from Davis.

This event reminds me of a time during the 2008 campaign when I showed up at a GOP rally at Lewiston and West Main (where Clor's is now located) with my video camera with the intent of interviewing Chris Lee. Nick Langworthy wouldn't let me use a video camera. He said he feared the video falling into the hands of the Democrats and being spliced in a way that it could embarrass Lee.

UPDATE: WGRZ has a pretty full report. The significant revelation is that the Erie County GOP had two volunteers with cameras, so not only should there be an unedited version available from the first camera, but also an unedited version from the second camera, which will show a wider angle and more of what actually happened. I wonder if Nick Langworthy will release those tapes?

I can't get the WGRZ video to embed right, so here's a link to it.

UPDATE: The Washington Post has an item well worth reading: Who is Jack Davis? It covers the good, the bad and the ugly.

Press release:

Former candidate for Congress in the 26th Congressional District David Bellavia today announces his support for Tea Party candidate Jack Davis as the next Congressman from Western New York. He will appear with Jack Davis at a rally honoring veterans 6 p.m. tonight at Barnard Exempt & Party House, 360 Maiden Lane, Greece.

“I’m proud to endorse Jack Davis, who served honorably in the United States Coast Guard and Marines and returned to build a successful business from nothing,” Bellavia said. “When our country called, Jack answered and served during the Korean War era. When his enlistment was up, he came home to Western New York to build a company in a garage and grew it into an American manufacturing success story.”

“I am honored to have the support and endorsement of David Bellavia. He is a decorated war hero and a true patriot who has the courage to take on the Washington insiders and fight for jobs and a better future here in Western New York just as he fought to defend our country in Iraq,” says Jack Davis, independent candidate for U.S. Congress.

Bellavia is a staunch Republican who considered a run for the Congressional seat vacated by millionaire Rep. Chris Lee after a national scandal. Bellavia’s efforts to place his name on the ballot were thwarted by the GOP machine – the same organization now Hell-bent on tarnishing Jack Davis in his run for office.

“Jack Davis didn’t inherit his wealth, he earned it the old-fashioned way: through his own blood, sweat and tears,” Bellavia said. “Today he employs 75 Western New Yorkers in a strong manufacturing business. He won’t sell to an out-of-state interest and put their jobs at risk; he’s made sure his own employees will inherit the company when he is gone. That shows a real commitment to our area that will endure for decades.”

“As the only veteran running in this race, Jack has consistently shown unswerving support for the men and women who defend our nation,” Bellavia said. “Veterans in Western New York and voters of all stripes have one clear choice for Congress, and that is Jack Davis, a true independent who will work for the people as he caucuses with the Republicans in the House of Representatives.”

ABOUT DAVID BELLAVIA

David Bellavia is a former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant who served in the 1st Infantry Division (Task Force 2-2). He was recommended for the Medal of Honor, nominated for the Distinguished Service Cross, and received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Conspicuous Service Cross. In 2006 he was invited to attend the President's State of the Union address as an honored guest. In 2004, Bellavia was the subject of a Time Magazine cover story titled "Into the Hot Zone" which won a Pulitzer Prize. He is the author of the best selling book, “House to House,” an account of his experience leading a platoon in the Battle of Fallujah published by the Free Press in 2007.

UPDATE: In 2006, David Bellavia was featured in a Tom Reynolds ad attacking Jack Davis.

The Weekly Standard asked Bellavia about the ad:

Asked if he regrets cutting this commercial, Bellavia writes: "No. He was wrong about Iraq. He was dead wrong. He is wrong about abortion. And that is what is beautiful about taking a stand."

Bellavia added: "I disagree with Jack on issues, but at least I know where he stands on them. Conservatives can not stoop to conquer. We are not a party of white trust fund babies. We are Allen West. We are Bobby Jindal. New York has lost that message. I am fighting to bring that message home. And those who wish to personally attack veterans. Saying things like, 'he went to war. Can we trust he won't snap?' That's what they did at Winter Soldier. I now step down from my soap box."