Grace Meng and Dan Halloran (Photo: Facebook)

The race for New York’s 6th Congressional District heated up a bit today, with both sides launching broadsides against one another.

To start, Assemblywoman Grace Meng, the Democratic candidate in the race, sent a fundraising email to her supporters entitled, “No Room for Racism.” At issue was a Times of Israel profile of her Republican opponent, Councilman Dan Halloran, where he was quoted saying some provocative things about her nationality.

“His use of the term, ‘Chinese National’ and claim that I, ‘have dual citizenship’ is completely false, and unbelievably offensive. I was born in this country and have lived here my entire life,” Ms. Meng wrote. “This is merely a ploy to take cheap, racist shots in an attempt to not talk about the real issues facing the people of our district.

She added, “If you are as outraged as we are, at these latest divisive remarks from our opponent, help us defeat him soundly on November 6th by donating to our campaign today.”

Mr. Halloran, meanwhile, was interested in talking about another issue altogether: a bill Ms. Meng supported that would block federal funds from any law enforcement agency that the Department of Justice found to be engaging in religious or racial profiling.

“Political correctness has won the day over saving lives,” Mr. Halloran said in a statement. “Our cops are doing their jobs, acting lawfully, and putting their lives on the line every day to prevent the next 9/11.”

“Like all New Yorkers, I will never forget that day. I lost a cousin fighting the fires in the Twin Towers. In Congress, I will work night and day to protect New Yorkers,” he continued. “The NYPD needs more funding to fight terrorism, not less. We are still the top target for terrorists. These federal funds save lives. Assemblywoman Meng, what NYPD programs do you want to cut?”

The amendment, which was announced in the context of the controversial NYPD Muslim surveillance program but would not have immediately cut any funds since Department of Justice has not declared the police force to be discriminatory, went on to be defeated in the Republican-control House of Representatives.

Mr. Halloran’s campaign released a video to emphasize this message further:

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