Republicans land top challenger against Bishop

from the Scorecard today:

Businessman Randy Altschuler announced today that he’s challenging the four-term congressman, who represents eastern Long Island in the House.

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In an implicit slap at Bishop for avoiding town hall meetings with constituents, Atlschuler said his focus will be listening to the constituents of New York’s First District

Businessman Randy Altschuler Files to Run for Congress in NY-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 11, 2009

EAST SETAUKET, NY: Businessman Randy Altschuler has formally filed a statement of candidacy for US Congress in New York's First Congressional District with the Federal Election Commission, and issued the following statement:

"I am deeply concerned about our nation's long-term fiscal stability. It is imperative that we get our economic house in order.

"I am committed to bringing my business experience - combined with a realistic, common-sense approach to problem solving - to help lower taxes, reform government and create jobs.

"As a businessman, I believe we cannot tax and spend our way out of this recession. As a husband and father, I also believe that we have a moral obligation to our children not to saddle them with a mountain of debt. We must ensure that future generations will have the same freedoms and opportunities we currently enjoy.

"My door will always be open, and I understand that it will be my job to listen to the concerns of the citizens of the First Congressional District. It would be an honor and privilege to serve them."

Randy Altschuler is a businessman, former Fulbright Scholar and graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Business School. He is married to Cheryl Altschuler, MD, a practicing pediatrician in Shirley and Port Jefferson, New York. They have a young son, Noah, and reside in St. James, New York.

Gizzi on Politics: July 13, 2009 - HUMAN EVENTS

At this point, Long Island businessman Randy Altschuler appears to be cobbling together a well-funded challenge to Bishop and is considered a strong favorite for both the Republican and Conservative Party lines next year.

Hotline - Happy Fits Of Rage

Rep. Tim Bishop (D) "could face a challenge from" businessman Randy Altschuler (R) "who is eyeing" his seat.

TheHill.com - Dark horse races to watch in 2010

This time, Republicans are interested in the race and have someone who could be more formidable: businessman Randy Altschuler.

Northeastern 2010 GOP picture taking shape

Bishop could face a challenge from businessman Randy Altschuler (R), who is eyeing his Suffolk County seat. The seat went modestly, 51-48, for President Obama last year, but Bishop hasn’t faced a really tough challenge in a few cycles.

Executive Council Announces Winners of 2005 New York "Ten Awards"; Randy Altschuler

Old news, but I finally found the press release on the Exec Council's website: Randy Altschuler, Winner of Ten Award