Brindisi to Primary Challenger: Release the Tape

Two men who may face each other in a congressional primary in New York's 22nd District are talking about a contentious phone conversation they had several weeks ago.

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi of Oneida County and Heath Phillips of Cortland County have announced they are seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Claudia Tenney.

On WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Phillips said he recorded a call in which Brindisi "ordered" him not to run for the seat.

Phillips said some of the things Brindisi said were "kind of shocking." He maintained the assemblyman suggested he would "twist" details of the sexual assault incidents Phillips endured while in the military.

Shortly after Phillips discussed the conversation during a live interview Monday morning, Brindisi called the program. Brindisi acknowledged having a brief phone chat with Phillips shortly before he announced his candidacy last June.

But Brindisi said it's "a flat-out lie" that he warned Phillips that he would use any of his past experiences against him.

Brindisi called on Phillips to release the recording of their conversation, if he has it.

In a follow-up interview, Phillips said his wife had wanted him to make the recording public. He acknowledged making statements about Brindisi's father during the conversation and using strong language.

Phillips said he had apologized to Brindisi for remarks he made during the call and he wants Brindisi to apologize to him.

Phillips said he may release the recording. But, he said, "it would make us both look bad."

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