‘Onion’ jokes of Koch brothers ‘buying’ Rep. Zeldin seat
The ‘Onion,’ a national satire publication, today turned a bit of its political lampooning toward Long Island, with a “story” about the right-leaning industrialist Koch Brothers “buying” each other the same Christmas present — Lee Zeldin’s congressional seat.
In real life, Zeldin (R-Shirley) last year unseated veteran Democratic Rep. Tim Bishop, and this first-term status has earned much attention from partisan opponents who see 2016 as a good opportunity to win the seat back. So there a lot of genuine news coverage has focused on Zeldin, as well as many stories about the Koch brothers’ funding and influence.
Here’s the fake lead posted today in the usual news-narrative style characteristic of the ‘Onion’ (which amusingly bills itself as “America’s Finest News Source”):
“WICHITA, KS—Chuckling and shaking their heads as they described their annual family gift exchange to reporters, Koch Industries executives Charles and David Koch confirmed Wednesday they had unwittingly gotten each other the same election for Christmas this year.
“The two brothers and energy industry magnates, who for decades have gathered to share a holiday meal and open presents next to the Christmas tree in Charles’ Wichita home, admitted they were a bit embarrassed to learn they had each given the other Rep. Lee Zeldin’s congressional seat, but said they ultimately shrugged off the coincidence.”
For more comedy, the rest of the takeoff can be found here.

Things to do now on LI Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break.

Things to do now on LI Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break.