Becker says campaign flyer was not approved

Nassau Legis. Fran Becker, a Lynbrook Republican who is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola) this fall, said a campaign flyer that appears as though he is supporting President Barack Obama is “an error.”

Becker said the flyer, which states it was paid for by “Becker for Congress” committee, was never approved for distribution.

He explained that his campaign had been internally brainstorming ideas on “on how to appeal to the African American community, recognizing they would be supporting Obama.” Someone proposed the flyer, which includes a box that says “Vote for — Obama on Row A; Becker on Row B.”

The flyer was rejected, Becker said, because it made him look like he was telling people to vote for the president, a Democrat who is seeking re-election.  “There’s no endorsement there for Barack Obama,” he said.

Becker said he didn’t know how the flyer reached the streets. “It was not supposed to go out and go into production.” He said different campaign literature is in the works.

Conservative Party nominee Frank Scaturro of Hempstead also is running for McCarthy’s 4th District Congressional seat.