Welcome to my Weekly Wrap-Up for May 17, 2019!

IMMIGRATION INSANITY

America’s illegal immigration crisis continues to ravage our borders and radiate throughout the country, from car crashes to rape and mass murder. Here in New York, we’re facing this question: Should people here illegally be given a driver’s license? Our state’s political establishment says yes – the Conservative Party says no, and if you agree, please sign our Petition if you haven’t already.

The Conservative Party is taking action locally, and President Trump continues to fight for sane border policies with a new merit-based reform plan and continued efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.

Since President Trump is proposing it, of course Chuck Schumer is opposed. But Democrats who constantly want America to be more like other countries may have a hard time explaining why Canada and New Zealand have set such poor examples on immigration.

THE FIGHT FOR LIFE

The fight for life has been prominent throughout the United States this week, including here in New York. Sen. Pam Helming offered an amendment from the NYS Senate Floor that would have reversed part of the abhorrent Reproductive Health Act signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Jan. 22, 2019. The proposed bill that Sen. Pam Helming introduced at our request, and offered as an amendment would have re-established the fact that infants born alive are human beings and must be protected. Unfortunately, the amendment failed in the Democratic controlled NYS Senate, but our efforts will continue in both houses until New York state government acknowledges the precious life a woman carries is a human being entitled to their own life.

Outside of New York State, the Pro-Life movement has had some successes. Pro-life measures enacted in Georgia and Alabama not only protect the unborn – they also pose a direct threat to the outdated precedent set by Roe v. Wade. It’s about time.

The debate over defending life continues to be riddled with dishonesty and misinformation (thanks in no small part to New York’s junior Senator), but just remember: Women are a driving force behind the pro-life movement; unlike the left, Americans are not zealously pro-abortion; and pro-life Americans are among the most caring, compassionate people in this country.

Why is the pro-life issue important to you as a conservative? That’s the question in our new Weekly Poll – let me know how you approach this topic.

QUICK HITS

The Conservative Party was asked to sign on to a national statement against the radical Equality Act on gender and sexuality – of course, we took a stand for traditional values.

Local socialist’s constituents don’t look favorably upon socialism.

Attorney General Bill Barr has a wicked sense of humor, but his investigation into abuse of power is no joke.

Bill de Blasio’s presidential campaign, on the other hand – there are laughs aplenty.

Have a great weekend!

I’ve had a great week traveling around our state, with stops at Conservative Party dinners in Nassau County, Wayne County and Monroe County – thanks so much for having me speak! Tomorrow, I will be in Liverpool, NY (Onondaga County) for a press conference regarding the Party’s efforts to put the brakes on illegal immigrants getting driver’s licenses, followed by a meeting of the state executive committee.

Upstate New York is beautiful in the spring and full of wonderful places to be. Here’s the news I’ve been watching this week…

TRUMP 2020

As the Democrats push their true (and truly narrow) agenda of impeachment, President Trump set the stage for the 2020 campaign with a raucous, riveting speech in the battleground state of Florida that as usual, drew a massive crowd of supporters.

Chuck Schumer wasn’t impressed, of course – who can blame him, since he’s being outplayed by President Trump at every turn? But the President touched on a host of issues that matter to conservatives, from abortion extremism to the Second Amendment to the border crisis.

I pulled a transcript of the speech and picked out what I think are the most powerful statements from President Trump as he charges ahead into the 2020 campaign. Which one do you think is President Trump at his best? That’s the question in our new Weekly Poll – and I know I don’t have to tell you that we’ll be hearing plenty more from our President as Election Day draws closer and closer.

THE EQUALITY ACT

Have you heard of the so-called “Equality Act” targeting gender and sexuality that’s now a progressive priority in Washington? If so, you know that the name alone is one of the greatest acts of legislative and political dishonesty this country has ever witnessed. Naturally the Democrats’ aim with this bill is to undermine President Trump, but it goes so much deeper than that.

As the Daily Signal notes, this is a bill that would advance civil tyranny, not civil rights – and it would promote abortion, undermine women, and force doctors to abandon the time-honored oath to “do no harm.”

Here in New York and in other states we can see the harm this bill will do to our nation, and the cultural impact of the Democrats’ gender revolution is already horrifying and will only get worse.

You have my word that the Conservative Party will be actively engaged on this issue – stay tuned for updates!

QUICK HITS

The collusion delusion should be dead, but even some Republicans refuse to give up.

Courageous Colorado students protest the politicization of a school tragedy.

Will a ballooning helium shortage deflate the economy?

Welcome to my Weekly Wrap-Up for May 3, 2019!

DEMOCRACY DOLLARS

Just when it seems we scraped the bottom of the barrel for bad political ideas, along comes Kirsten Gillibrand with this week’s ridiculous “Democracy Dollars” proposal – a plan to give each American up to $600 that could be used to support political campaigns.

Let that sink in: A politician has a plan to take money from taxpayers and then let them have it back on the condition that the money can only be spent on politicians. Unbelievable.

The plan was quickly mocked as a terrible and ridiculous idea – but we can’t ignore the fact that this is the kind of thinking that has gotten our nation into such deep fiscal trouble. So I want to take a closer look at it in our new Weekly Poll. Here’s my question for you: What would you say is the BIGGEST problem with Sen. Gillibrand’s call for “Democracy Dollars” funded by taxpayers?

THE CONGRESSIONAL CIRCUS

Acting foolishly was the favorite pastime of Senate Democrats this week, as they wasted America’s time with their ineffective, unhinged questioning of Attorney General William Barr. The Democrats were playing to the cameras, but Barr was unflappable.

House Democrats didn’t fare much better, with Tennessee’s Steve Cohen crying fowl and New York’s own Jerry Nadler shutting down debate in the left’s desperate quest for impeachment. It was a circus, though that seems like an insult to clowns everywhere.

FOCUS ON FACEBOOK

If you’re on Facebook, you may be seeing more of the Conservative Party lately – in addition to our regular posts, we have started a new ad campaign aimed at getting our message out and engaging with even more voters throughout the state. This is a particularly useful way to connect with younger, “millennial” voters, but overall our goal is to introduce people of all ages and backgrounds to the conservative principles we advocate. Our friends and supporters make outreach efforts like this possible, and I appreciate that you are part of our work!

QUICK HITS

Economy Added 263,000 Jobs in April, Unemployment Falls to Lowest Level since 1969

Trump Admin Will Protect Rights of Doctors Who Decline to Perform Abortions

A Whale of a Tale That Just Keeps Getting Weirder

Welcome to my Weekly Wrap-Up for April 16, 2019!

20 FOR 2020

Joe Biden has launched his 2020 campaign with the rather cumbersome theme, “America is coming back like we used to be.” I wonder if there’s a simpler way to put that – perhaps “Make America Great Again” or something along those lines. I suppose the former Senator and Vice-President must be extra careful about plagiarism.

Biden’s announcement was marred by problematic staffing, exploitation, suspicious claims, and pushback from the left, and it’s only going to get worse for him.

And “Sleepy Joe” (as President Trump has nicknamed him) is now the twentieth Democrat running for the White House – the largest field of candidates in the country’s history. There’s Gillibrand and Harris, Bernie, Beto, Buttigieg and Booker – and some you’ve probably barely heard of.

Here’s my question for you in our new Weekly Poll: Of the 20 Democrats vying to be the party’s 2020 presidential candidate, who do you think has the BEST chance of actually winning the nomination? (I’m including all 20 contenders, just in case you want to put your money on a long-shot candidate!)

THE DE BLASIO BAN-WAGON

Will there be anything left in New York worth having once Mayor Bill de Blasio is done banning things? Having gone after conveniences such as straws and plastic utensils, he’s now aiming higher – literally – by suggesting that skyscrapers should be outlawed (and hot dogs, too!). Why not just ban New York City?

Of course, all this politically-correct posturing is a great distraction from the city’s budget woes and corruption under de Blasio’s rule – rest assured, the Mayor will never seek to ban liberal political spin!

QUICK HITS

President Trump: “It’s a coup.”

The economy continues to roar.

Big Labor dropped $2 billion on midterm elections, in New York and nationwide.

Welcome to my Weekly Wrap-Up for April 18, 2019!

The Mueller Report

Finally, the long-awaited Mueller Report has been released. Spoiler alert: There was no collusion or obstruction of justice by President Trump. None. And it’s become clear that Democrats abused their power, with the help of some nefarious players. Is now the time to go after the real conspirators?

There is some insightful initial analysis of the report here, here, and here – and plenty more to come I’m sure.

The so-called mainstream media’s collusion fantasy has been utterly debunked, and they’re not handing it well – and as you know, this is just one issue of many where journalists have allowed their personal views and prejudices to get in the way of responsible reporting.

Let me make this the focus of our new Weekly Poll question: How important would you say it is for the Conservative Party to highlight institutional media bias as we discuss issues such as taxes, spending, the Second Amendment and the right to life?

I will be reporting the vote totals here next week – make sure your opinion is counted!

Judith Clark

This was yet another shameful week for New York, as Judith Clark – the domestic terrorist involved in the infamous 1981 Brinks Robbery that left 2 police officers, Waverly Brown and Edward O’Grady, and Brink’s guard Peter Page dead, was granted parole this week.

New Yorkers are angry, as they should be. As the New York Post notes, Andrew Cuomo’s parole board “has been emptying New York’s prisons of cop-killers and political radicals left and right.” If Judith Clark can be set free, anyone can – and our state will be less safe because of it.

Quick Hits

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez loves tax breaks when she stands to benefit.

For the Democrats’ presidential hopefuls, charity does not begin at home.

There’s a crisis at our southern border – take it from the communities located there.

Have a great weekend and a very joyful Easter!

Welcome to my Weekly Wrap-Up for April 12, 2019!

9/11 DENIAL

“Some people did something” – is there anything more contemptible, more despicable, more infuriating than a government official dismissing the murder of close to 3,000 innocent people with such nonchalant words?

This blasé assessment by Rep. Ilhan Omar is an outright denial of the suffering that took place in New York City on 9/11, of the fear and pain our fellow Americans felt as they were being killed, of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many brave firefighters and police officers so that others could be rescued. It minimizes the grief felt then, and still today, by those who lost loved ones in the attacks. And Rep. Omar ignores the real dangers of radical Islam, which was the one and only force behind the 9/11 attacks, and that is still a threat to our freedom and safety today.

Meanwhile, in defending her fellow leftist, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez chose to attack the integrity and commitment of Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a highly-decorated veteran and Navy SEAL who lost an eye fighting terrorists in Afghanistan. Unbelievable, especially for someone who is supposed to represent New York.

While most of our state’s Democrats were too cowardly to challenge Rep. Omar’s comments, the New York Post courageously defended New York’s honor against her heartlessness – read the Post’s coverage here, here, and here.

Rep. Omar is attempting to justify her comments by pointing to President George W. Bush’s speech atop the rubble of the World Trade Center on September 14. That takes chutzpah, to use a word that would likely offend the congresswoman given her history of anti-Semitism. Watch President Bush’s speech here – it is a recognition of our country’s grief, a call for prayer and unity, a celebration of America’s strength and resolve, a show of patriotism in defiance of those who hate America.

President Bush’s words lifted our nation up – Rep. Omar’s diminish our nation’s history.

TAXES

As Democrats celebrate just how much they were able to mislead America about the Trump tax cuts, the truth is emerging: President Trump’s tax reforms saved Americans money, and despite the protestations of Andrew Cuomo most New Yorkers did quite well under the Trump tax cuts.

With Tax Day coming up, I want to make this the focus of our new Weekly Poll: What do you think is the most compelling, conservative message that our Party can share on the issue of federal taxes?

I also want to revisit last week’s question, since Survey Monkey was giving us some socialist-style math that made the responses add up to over 100 percent. So here’s what I’m asking: Out of New York’s unbelievably costly new budget, what is the item that concerns you the most?

I look forward to watching the results from both questions.

QUICK HITS

Don’t believe the myths about legalizing marijuana.

Yes, we need to probe the Russia collusion probers.

Why don’t liberals like the idea of sending illegal aliens to sanctuary cities?

Obama’s head of Homeland Security agrees with Trump on the border crisis.

Have a great weekend!

Welcome to my Weekly Wrap-Up for March 29, 2019!

“THE COLLUSION DELUSION”

“After three years of lies and smears and slander, the Russia hoax is finally dead. The collusion delusion is over,” President Trump declared last night at a Michigan rally.

Will the hoaxers be held accountable? Some of New York’s members of Congress want to set the record straight, with Rep. Elise Stefanik calling for the resignation of Rep. Adam Schiff from the House Committee on Intelligence, and Rep. Peter King pulling no punches with former CIA chief John Brennan.

As Newt Gingrich points out, this debacle unfolded under President Obama’s watch – what did he know, and when did he know it? The Clinton campaign deserves scrutiny as well – that side was home to the only real collusion in 2016.

Meanwhile the media certainly owes the country an apology, but let’s not hold our breath. And we may be seeing expanded investigations of the FBI and Department of Justice. Time will tell – hopefully.

I want you to tell me how you think we can prevent such a spectacle in the future. What’s the best way to hold the hoaxers accountable right now? That’s the question for our new Weekly Poll, and I look forward to the responses.

ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ

As usual, Rep. Alexandria-Cortez has been in the news this week. Clearly she is “obsessed” with her national image which has apparently come at the expense of her constituents who have complained about inadequate representation.

I have argued that conservatives should ignore her. In my opinion it is the best way to send her and the left wing media that glorifies her message that she, like her favorable to unfavorable opinion numbers, has peaked.

What I believe we cannot ignore is the extreme dangers that are presented by the policies she advocates, the socialistic approach to government she represents. These failed methods of governing like a fire beginning to burn out of control need to be confronted and extinguished before they burn our way of life.

If you ask me any and all public officials and candidates who espouse blatant socialism deserve careful scrutiny.

As much as I believe we should limit the attention we pay to Ocasio-Cortez, we must keep our guard up, our vision focused and our pencils sharpened to respond to these crazy ideas that are emerging from a larger misinformed group of activists. Additionally as Party Chairman I commit to you that Conservative Party candidates will be pressed to be active in response. And we as a Party will organize a more effective grassroots approach to pushing back.

QUICK HITS

New York to Ban Plastic Bags

Proposed New York City Real Estate Tax Threatens Already Lagging Market

Cuomo Called Out for Hypocrisy – His Team Responds as Expected

“Unplanned” is a must-see pro-life film

Have a great weekend!

Welcome to my Weekly Wrap-Up for March 22, 2019!

TAXES

It’s hard to pick a favorite Ronald Reagan quote on taxes.

“For our opponents, every day is April 15 – Tax Day. For us every day is the Fourth of July.” – that’s one of my favorite quips from our 40th president.

“The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much.” – talk about a statement that has stood the test of time!

“You can’t be for big government, big taxes, and big bureaucracy and still be for the little guy.” – that’s a Reagan quote that would get the crowd going at a Trump rally.

This week, once again, New York’s Democrats showed themselves to be the party of big government, big taxes, and big bureaucracy… the party that thinks New Yorkers are taxed too little… the party that sees every day as Tax Day.

As this New York Post editorial puts it, “It seems the only sure thing about this year’s state budget is that it will sock taxpayers yet again” – AGAIN being the operative word, because New Yorkers are already among the highest taxed citizens in the country… which is why many of our most productive people are moving to other parts of the country.

“Freedom is the right to question and change the established way of doing things.” – that’s another Reagan quote I love, and soaking taxpayers is an “established way of doing things” in New York that needs to be questioned and changed.

In fact, Tax Freedom Day in New York – the day you stop working for the government and are working for yourself – was May 15th in 2018… the latest in the nation. This year with the craziness in Albany we can expect it to be even later.

There are many ways for the Conservative Party to tackle this issue – we can emphasize that high taxes hurt the state overall; that families are among the hardest hit; that high taxes feed Albany’s spending addiction; that well-connected interests get special breaks while normal folks pay through the nose; or that “soak the rich” tax policies don’t work (as even Andrew Cuomo acknowledges).

What do you think is the Conservative Party’s BEST strategy for showing the negative impact of the Cuomo Democrats’ high taxes? That’s our new Weekly Poll question, and I look forward to seeing what you have to say.

QUICK HITS

Leftist dogma can’t fix what ails New York City’s public schools.

Get ready for the Mueller Report.

Democrats are now embracing gun confiscation.

President Trump makes a stand for free speech on campus.

Welcome to my Weekly Wrap-Up for March 15, 2019!

THE BORDER CRISIS

America’s borders are a mess, but our elected “leaders” are just playing politics with our security – that’s the biggest takeaway from this week’s news. Say what you will about President Trump, but he understands the scope of this crisis and is determined to do something about it. If only Congress, including Republicans, would get serious about securing our borders. But as we saw in this week’s vote against President Trump, there seems to be little hope of that.

President Trump’s one-word response – “VETO!” – makes it clear that this battle isn’t over, and thank goodness for that. We can’t afford to not secure our borders.

It’s all politics here in New York too. Andrew Cuomo is launching new efforts to “protect immigrants from ICE” – law enforcement, as always with left-wing Democrats, is the enemy. But as usual the Governor is trying to have his cake and eat it too, playing all sides of this issue to placate both open borders extremists who are now the driving force for the Democrat Party as well as the dwindling number of Democratic “moderates” who are still useful to the left (and who can’t afford to vote for immigration insanity like a driver’s license for folks who are, in the politically correct parlance, “undocumented”).

So many New York conservatives I speak with are gravely concerned about America’s uncontrolled borders and want the immigration issue to be a top priority for the Conservative Party. I want to open this topic up to as many people as possible, so I’m making it our new Weekly Poll question – how important is the immigration issue to you personally? Let me know today!

TARGETING TAXPAYERS

I guess in reality law enforcement isn’t ALWAYS the enemy in the Democrats’ eyes – when government agents are attempting to crack down on taxpayers, it’s all systems go as far as the left is concerned. According to one report, “With New York facing a serious $2.3 billion budget deficit, the state’s Department of Taxation and Finance is getting increasingly fierce in chasing funds from wealthy residents fleeing its high taxes.”

Of course, everyone should pay the taxes they owe – you hear that, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez? – but it’s fascinating to me, just how angry Democrats’ become when hard-working people decide they don’t want to play along with the left’s tax-and-spend games.

IN THE NEWS

President Trump condemns ‘horrible massacre‘ at New Zealand mosques

Ocasio-Cortez Slammed for Politicizing Terror Attack, Mocking Prayer, Blaming NRA

Co-Host of Gillibrand Fundraiser Charged in College Admissions Scam

Have a great weekend!

Welcome to my Weekly Wrap-Up for March 8, 2019!

FUSION VOTING

This week the Conservative Party and all third parties are under attack from the New York State Democratic party, who adopted a non-binding resolution to eliminate fusion voting in New York State. As you know fusion voting, which has existed in New York for decades, allows candidates who appear on multiple ballot lines to combine votes into a single total. Incredibly, many Democratic party leaders as well their functionaries in Board of Election offices throughout the state have argued that having fewer party choices on the ballot benefits the voter. On its face, this is a ludicrous argument

The entire crusade is rooted in cynicism. Despite denials, it’s clear that Governor Andrew Cuomo has been attempting to execute a political vendetta. Even top Democrats including Chuck Schumer, multiple members of congress and an overwhelming number of state legislators have come out against their own party’s foolish resolution.

What’s best for voters and our state? A healthy multi-party system allowing voters to cast votes for candidates that in the case of the Conservative Party reflect a clear view on issues. In fact, the Conservative Party is often the good-housekeeping seal of approval for candidates in the eyes of voters.

Be assured that as State Chairman, together with our excellent party leaders on a state and local level, we will be closely watching any and all developments on this issue. We stand ready to use our influence in Albany and all tools and resources at our disposal to stop this attempt by the Democratic Party to further their goal of eliminating voices of opposition to the Governor’s mismanagement of New York State.

CPAC

A week ago today, I was in Washington attending the annual CPAC conference, and I was buoyed to see so many young people stand up for their conservative beliefs.

This Daily Signal article features nine young adults (including one young lady from New York) explaining why they’re conservative, and it reflects what I saw at CPAC – there is a new generation of Americans who are pro-life, who want economic freedom instead of socialism, and who understand that illegal immigration and open borders will destroy our country.

One of my goals as your chairman is to increase young people’s involvement. What do you think is the BEST way for the Conservative Party to attract younger voters in New York? That’s the question I want you to answer in our new Weekly Poll – and feel free to leave a comment with any thoughts you have on ways to grow our party.

QUICK HITS

Rep. Elise Stefanik offered a powerful tribute to Mike Long in a speech on the House floor.

The end-bail crowd is already making New York’s streets more violent.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s dark money hypocrisy is being exposed.

Have a great weekend!

This is a bittersweet post – my last Weekly Wrap-Up as the Chairman of the Conservative Party.

How times have changed… When I became Chairman back in 1988, Americans listened to music on compact discs and sent “instant messages” via fax machine. Only the most tech-savvy Americans had car phones, or “mobile” phones the size of small bricks.

The Conservative Party has always adapted to new technologies, but our guiding principles have remained steadfast – limited government, individual liberty, personal responsibility, an unwavering defense of unborn babies, and the traditional values that make America great.

I know our blog readers especially enjoy our Weekly Polls, so I decided to look back at our questions through the years. What I found was revealing…

Our first poll back in 2013 featured just one question – “What word do you think best describes Obama’s ‘leadership’ on the national security front?” The majority of respondents chose this answer: “Terrifying – I fear for America’s safety.”

Two weeks ago, we had another question focused on America’s president: “What is your favorite quote from President Trump’s State of the Union Address?” Quite a nice change of pace, wouldn’t you say?

But the most popular answer – “America was founded on liberty and independence –- not government coercion, domination, and control. We are born free, and we will stay free. Tonight, we renew our resolve that America will never be a socialist country.” – illustrates the threats that still face our country. The word “terrifying” continues to apply to the left’s agenda.

And last week’s questions on the Amazon debacle showed the many problems facing New York – politicians making backroom deals with well-connected interests, left-wing radicals driving businesses out of our state, and general incompetence among those who lead our state.

But no matter the issue and regardless of the challenge, it’s been a pleasure having you join us here each week, staying informed about what’s happening in our state and our nation, checking out the articles we felt were important, and offering your opinions on the questions of the day.

Let’s make this week’s poll questions about the Conservative Party:

– What do you think is the most important issue for us to focus on moving forward?

– What do you see as our most essential role in New York politics?

Here’s a question people have been asking me: “What is your favorite memory as Chairman of the Conservative Party?” And that’s an easy one – it’s the people. I’ve shared and debated ideas, strategized on the campaign trail, bounced back from defeats, and celebrated victories with great patriots in every part of New York. People like you, who refuse to give up on our state’s future.

Things change, but the commitment of the Conservative Party’s friends and supporters never ceases to amaze me. From the bottom of my heart – thank you!