Where LI pols stand on the Ground Zero mosque

Members of the Long Island congressional delegation were asked whether they supported building the mosque-community center at the proposed site near Ground Zero.

Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) said in a statement: "While they have a constitutional right to build the mosque, it would be better if they had demonstrated more sensitivity to the families of 9/11 victims. I urge them to do so before proceeding further."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's (D-N.Y.) spokeswoman Bethany Lesser said: "The local community board, which includes many people who lived through the 9/11 attacks, overwhelmingly voted to approve this proposal and Senator Gillibrand, as she has said numerous times, understands the emotional concerns over this issue and is supporting the local community board's decision. Given the view expressed by the local community board, Senator Gillibrand does not oppose the project."

Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) said in a statement: "As a New Yorker, I believe Ground Zero is sacred ground and should unite us. If the group seeking to build the mosque is sincere in its efforts to bring people together, I would urge them to seek an alternative location which is less divisive. I dispute the wisdom of building at that location, not the constitutional right."

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola) said through spokeswoman Aprill Turner: "The debate around the proposed Cordoba House has been an emotional one, and now that the measure has been approved to move forward, I hope we can work together to rebuild the area around Ground Zero in a manner that will honor our fallen heroes."

Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) said in a statement: "President Obama is wrong. It is insensitive and uncaring for the Muslim community to build a mosque in the shadow of Ground Zero. While the Muslim community has the right to build the mosque, they are abusing that right by needlessly offending so many people who have suffered so much. The right and moral thing for President Obama to have done was to urge Muslim leaders to respect the families of those who died and move their mosque away from Ground Zero. Unfortunately, the president caved into political correctness."

Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Roslyn Heights): Out of town on vacation, said his spokesman Jordan Goldes.

Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.): "As he's said for several weeks now, he is not opposed," said spokesman Brian Fallon.