NEW YORK, June 9 (UPI) -- An unusual father-son competition is shaping up over a congressional seat being vacated in a New York City borough.
The Republican candidate is retired Francis H. Powers, a 68-year-old Wall Street executive and longtime fundraiser for Staten Island GOP candidates. His son, Francis M. Powers, is one of two candidates seeking the Libertarian nomination. Both are seeking a slot being vacated by Republican U.S. Rep. Vito J. Fossella, The New York Times reported Monday.
"I'm not running against my father, I'm running against the Republican and Democratic candidates and any other candidate that comes down the pike," said the younger Powers, 47.
The senior Powers released a statement, saying he has tried "very hard for many years to help" his son.
"Unfortunately, he's rejected everyone's help to live a healthy lifestyle," the father said. "Regardless of whether he wants to run for Congress, I still stand ready to help him move his life in a positive direction."
Powers junior responded that he was "flabbergasted."
"I don't know what he's talking about," the younger politician said. "I've never had any substance abuse problems or any other kind of problem. It sounds like a Republican campaign tactic."
