Sen. Charles Schumer has forged a long a political career by knowing that all politics is local - and international.
Schumer, D-N.Y., is engaged in a food fight with Russian officials, urging them to allow the importation of New York-produced Chobani Greek yogurt to athletes and employees of NBC Studios at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
The New York senator says that the Russian government isn't permitting the yogurt into the country 'without very specific and unattainable Customs certifications, even though the food will only be provided to U.S. citizens.'
Schumer noted that a shipment of the yogurt is sitting at Newark International Airport ready to rush to Russia if the Russians give the okay.
'Chobani yogurt is safe, nutritious and delicious and the Russian authorities should get past 'nyet' and let the prime sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team deliver their protein-packed food to our athletes and media workers,' Schumer said in a statement.
Schumer fired off a letter to Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak requesting approval for a one-time shipment of the yogurt.
'I understand the need for high food safety standards for diary products," Schumer wrote. "However, the U.S. government has confirmed that sanitary standards have been met to ensure that this yogurt will be safe for consumption by American citizens attending and participating in the 2014 Winter Olympics.'