Reshma Saujani, who is challenging her fellow Democrat, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, in the Sept 14 primary, is out with a statement this afternoon comending President Obama for his statement on the mosque and calling on members of the New York congressional delegation to weigh in.

Most of the state’s 29 House members have so far shied away from taking a definitive position on the mosque, with the exception of Rep. Peter King, a Long Island Republican, who has been quite vocal in his opposition; and Rep. Jerry Nadler, a Democrat whose district includes Ground Zero. (He supports the project).

UPDATE: As it turns out, Maloney hasn’t been so silent on this issue. She put out a statement in support of the mosque on Aug. 5.

“While I understand the sensitivity surrounding the project, I do not understand the silence of New York’s elected officials, including Congresswoman Maloney, on this issue,” said Saujani, who has argued the mosque would be a symbol of religious freedom.

“This is a major debate unfolding in our city and country, and our leaders – with the exception of Mayor Bloomberg and Representative Nadler – are weighing in with lukewarm statements when asked by the press for their opinion.”

“John Cornyn, the head for Republican Senate campaign committee has already jumped on the President’s comments, promising to make it a major campaign wedge issue. We need strong Democratic leadership in Congress from New York to fight back against Republican fear-mongering and set the facts straight.”

Saujani goes on to note that she has repeatedly tried to get Maloney to debate her, including on Aug. 24 at Baruch College, but has so far failed to get the incumbent congresswoman to commit to going toe-to-toe.

“Even if Carolyn Maloney refuses to debate me, which is unfair to her constituents, she still has an ethical obligation to speak up and talk about the Cordoba House and other major issues,” Saujani said.

“I have been vocal in my support for the Cordoba House – and I believe Carolyn Maloney needs to do the same.”

“It’s time for Carolyn Maloney to tell New Yorkers what she thinks about the issues that affect their lives. She has been silent on the construction of the Cordoba House, silent on Charlie Rangel’s ethics investigation, silent on passing the DREAM Act, and silent on new ideas to get New Yorkers back to work.”

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