Mike Arcuri
| Michael Arcuri | |
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| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 4, 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Sherwood Boehlert |
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| Succeeded by | Incumbent |
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| Born | June 11 1959 Utica, New York |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Married |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
Michael Angelo "Mike" Arcuri (born June 11 1959) is an American District Attorney and politician. Currently he is congressman for New York's 24th congressional district.
Background
Michael Arcuri graduated from St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Grammar School and T. R. Proctor Public High School, both in Utica, New York.
In 1981, Arcuri graduated from the State University of New York at Albany where he majored in history and minored in economics. During his years at Albany, Mike worked for New York Public Interest Research Group, and played rugby and varsity football.
In 1984, Arcuri graduated from New York Law School in New York City and was admitted to practice law in New York state in 1985, and returned to Utica to open a law office in 1986. In addition to private practice he served as attorney for the New Hartford Central School District’s Board of Education.
Career as a District Attorney
In 1993, Arcuri was elected District Attorney of Oneida County, only the third Democrat ever elected to that position and the first in over 40 years.
As District Attorney, Arcuri helped to implement Oneida County's Drug Court and Drug Treatment Alternative To Prison (D-TAP) programs and has prosecuted numerous violent criminals.
In 1997, he received the Mohawk Valley Person of the Year Award from the YWCA for his work in the area of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
In 2003 he was elected President of the New York State District Attorneys Association.
Congressional candidacy
In November 2006, Arcuri defeated State Senator Ray Meier for the NY-24 congressional seat left open by the retiring Sherwood Boehlert.
Controversy
In 2002, Arcuri personally prosecuted Joseph A. Smith of Oneida for the murder of Desiree Case of Yorkville. Her body was discovered in an abandoned house on February 26, 2000. Smith was arrested on November 29, 2001 after he was charged with two counts of second-degree murder in a sealed indictment. After one mistrial, a jury found Smith guilty of both counts of murder in March of 2002. In late June of 2002 a judge set aside the conviction, on a technicality, when it was discovered the defense was not provided all of the evidence in the case. Smith was released from jail on August 1, 2002. He later filed a claim for misconduct and negligence against the Oneida County District Attorney's Office and the City of Utica, N.Y., Police Department, which was settled out of court. However, Case's actual killer, Earl Wright, was located within the New Yorks State Prison System and would eventually plead guilty to manslaughter while an accomplice, Michael L. Nero, would plead guilty to assault.
Issues and Positions
Arcuri campaigned as a conservative Democrat and he immediately joined the Blue Dog Coalition after his election.
In early 2007 Mike Arcuri voted to withdraw funding to U.S. troops serving in Iraq.
Family and personal life
Arcuri has two children, Carmen Joseph and Dominique. His father, was Carmen Arcuri (Dec.). His mother, Elizabeth Timpano Arcuri, retired as a stenographer with the State of New York.
External links
- U.S. Congressman Michael Arcuri official House site
- Mike Arcuri at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Federal Election Commission — Michael Angelo Arcuri campaign finance reports and data
- On the Issues — Michael Arcuri issue positions and quotes
- OpenSecrets.org — Michael Arcuri campaign contributions
- Project Vote Smart — Representative Michael A. Arcuri (NY) profile
- SourceWatch Congresspedia — Michael Arcuri profile
- Washington Post — Congress Votes Database: Mike Arcuri voting record
- Elect Michael A. Arcuri official campaign site
- DCCC — Hon. Mike Arcuri profile
- "Campaign Ad Linking Democrat to 'Sex' Call May Backfire on GOP",
Editor & Publisher , October 21, 2006
| Preceded by Sherwood Boehlert |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 24th congressional district 2007–present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
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