“Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it”-Ronald Reagan
On behalf of the New York State Conservative Party, I am humbled and honored to have this platform to wish every member who has served in the United States Armed forces a very happy Veterans Day. November 11 is significant as it gives universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month) and was originally called “Armistice Day.” The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized “National Veterans Day” holding a parade and other festivities, to honor all veterans on November 11. It was U.S. Representative Edward Rees of Kansas who proposed the bill to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. The bill passed Congress in 1954 and President Eisenhower signed it.
It is you, our veterans, who have kept this country the envy of the world. Our nation is promised a tomorrow thanks to your sacrifices. I offer my sincerest gratitude for your service, not just today, but every day. May God continue to be with you, your family, and our country.
Thank You Lee Zeldin and our Statewide Team
Although Tuesday did not end the way we had all wished, we have much to be excited about for the future. I’d like to thank Congressman Lee Zeldin for carrying the torch in New York. Lee was the right man at the right time to lead the 2022 ticket. The excitement he generated was crucial in our down ballot successes. New York is sending eleven Conservative Party endorsed candidates, four of which whose margin of victory was due to the Conservative Party line, to Washington D.C. in January.
As for the Conservative Party, we have surpassed the 305,000 vote mark with more to be counted. This is well beyond our highest statewide vote since 1998.
In the New York State Senate, with the help of the Conservative Party, the veto proof majority was broken.
In the NYS Assembly, Republicans, with Conservative Party endorsements, increased by a minimal of six seats. In King County, the Conservative Party played a key role in flipping three seats. Nothing like this has ever happened before.
I want to personally thank Lee Zeldin and Alison Esposito for running for Governor and Lt. Governor. We will always remember how dedicated Lee and Alison were to Saving Our State and look forward to supporting them in whatever they choose to do next.
We also thank Joe Pinion, Michael Henry, and Paul Rodriquez for their arduous work and outstanding efforts they put forth this election cycle.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
November 8, 2022
Brooklyn, NY – “We congratulate Congressman Lee Zeldin on an incredibly hard-fought race for governor. Congressman Zeldin came within a hares’ breadth of defeating an incumbent Democrat in a 2-1 Democratic State, and he won more than 30 percent of the New York City vote, despite a nearly 7-1 enrollment advantage for Democrats.
“His hard work and passion helped secure a number of key victories in down ballot races, and his future as a political leader is undeniable.
“The New York State Conservative Party garnered more than 300,000 votes and counting on its line in the governor’s race on Tuesday, and we are enormously grateful to New Yorkers of all parties who voted on our line.
“This is the highest number of votes on the Conservative line since 1998, and it easily surpasses Working Families Party totals, ensuring that line ‘C’ remains firmly in Conservative Party hands.”
You’ve heard it before, “this is the most important election of our lifetime.” That phrase sounds good, it creates the urgency—but for perhaps the first time, there is no truer statement.
New York is at a crossroads, and it is time to try something new, something different, because if we remain on the current trajectory, I am sorry to say that I believe dire consequences will follow. On November 8th, I humbly ask you to vote based on your current situation, your circumstances, and your experiences around the City and State of New York.
As many of you know, I am a lifelong Brooklyn resident. I have quite literally seen the worst of times and the best of times. I know the difference, I’ve lived it, and I am living it again.
Every day the front pages of our newspapers, TV and radio news and certainly the internet is filled with stories of violence and crimes against New Yorker’s. Even cop killers, in fact 37 cop killers, have been released by the Cuomo/Hochul parole board.
IMAGINE, 37 COP KILLERS HAVE BEEN RELEASED INTO OUR STREETS.
Non-violent crimes, such as grand larceny auto are at record levels. I know of no one who is comfortable taking the subway in NYC these days.
Fatal shootings are up across New York State: shootings are up 26% in Rochester and incredibly 80% in Binghamton, and 100% in Troy. Yes, 100%. Buffalo has some of its worst violence ever.
IMAGINE, CRIME HAS GONE UP 29% IN NYC.
If you won’t take it from me, take it from Allie Forest, a Rochester resident and mother who recently said her final goodbyes to her 16-year-old daughter before burying her, something no parent should ever have to experience. “Bail reform is terrible, and it has made the criminals too confident, they are laughing at the police.” Forest said. “If politicians like Governor Hochul lived on the dangerous streets we do, we wouldn’t have bail reform.”
We have a slate of candidates for offices from Governor to the New York Legislature that can turn this state around. The new crop of conservative congressional members certain to emerge in New York State will be decisive in removing Nancy Pelosi, AOC, Jerry Nadler and the entire bunch of liberals from power in Congress.
Lee Zeldin for Governor, Alison Esposito for Lt. Governor, Joe Pinion for U.S. Senate, Michael Henry for Attorney General and Paul Rodriguez for Comptroller are the ticket to change in New York State.
Early voting has buoyed my confidence in victory on Tuesday. Be sure to cast your vote on the Conservative Party Line; your vote on Row C, will make the final difference.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
Brooklyn, NY – Oct. 26…The New York State Conservative Party today called on New York governor Kathy Hochul to halt all non-essential hiring in her administration, citing the potential turnover of governors after Election Day and New York’s looming multi-billion budget deficit.
Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar said that the Party is making this call after learning about recent hires by the Hochul Administration that included highly-political communications personnel.
“New York State is facing a massive budget deficit, and there’s a toss-up election occurring in less than two weeks,” Mr. Kassar said. “Hiring new non-essential employees now makes no sense for taxpayers, especially when there’s a good possibility that Congressman Lee Zeldin will be elected on November 8th. Besides, Mrs. Hochul is already running the most bloated administration in state history, and New York families are struggling to pay for that. They can’t afford a nickel more.”
Mr. Kassar warned that retiring administrations sometimes create protected patronage jobs for campaign volunteers and contributors who can stay on the state payroll for years.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
October 26, 2022
Brooklyn, NY – “I had the pleasure of attending last night’s debate at Pace University, and I was struck by how Governor Hochul lacked basic answers about major challenges facing New York families. Mrs. Hochul had no answer about her $600 million taxpayer giveaway to a billionaire sports team owner; she had no answers about the crime epidemic caused by no-cash-bail — she even expressed surprise that crime is such an important issue to New Yorkers! — she had no answers when asked about her very Andrew-Cuomo-like pay-to-play practices, and she had no answers on the nursing home scandal that left thousands of New Yorkers dead.
“Lee Zeldin, in contrast, was informative, crisp, and passionate, offering clear solutions to New York’s woes. Mr. Zeldin offered specific policy steps to lower crime, reduce New York’s nation-leading tax burden, and to cut mandates to grow the economy.
“With 12 days to go before the election, it’s clear that challenger Lee Zeldin has the vision, backbone, and integrity to guide this state forward. Governor Hochul has nothing.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
October 21, 2022
Brooklyn, NY – “The New York State Conservative Party commends today’s State Supreme Court decision that rightly preserves Election Day voting as an option for absentee ballot voters. Absentee ballot voters have had the right to amend their votes on Election Day for decades, and cynical attempts by Governor Hochul and the Democrat Party to strip them of those rights were wrong. This decision helps uphold the integrity of the electoral process, a major victory for New York voters and the rule of law.”
Our Fall Reception marking the Party’s 60th Anniversary was a great success. We returned to the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle; a beautiful venue nestled on the waterfront.
We were honored to have Newsmax’s White House Correspondent, John Gizzi, as our Ronald Reagan Journalism Award recipient and Larry Kudlow as our featured guest speaker.
The gathering, coming on the heels of excellent statewide and local polling, was highly energized. You could feel the momentum in the room. US Senate candidate Joe Pinion, Attorney General candidate Michael Henry and Comptroller candidate Paul Rodriquez each took a few moments to deliver remarks. Gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin was a part of every conversation from the podium to the reception floor. We are just 18 days away from saving New York. We must keep this momentum moving in the right direction.
It was also very clear that Chairman Emeritus Mike Long, the Chairman for almost half of the party’s history, was on many minds, as one would expect at the 60th Anniversary event. It was a fine evening remembering Mike and telling the story of the Conservative Party’s history and his enormous role in it.
It has been an honor for me to chair the Conservative Party these past few years. I am keenly aware of the history that brought us to where we are today. It is my sincere hope that in 2022 we will write a new page for a great political party and a fine group of people who make the party what it is today.
Big November Wins on the Horizon
News coming out of Washington indicates late summer/early fall numbers that showed momentum for Conservatives and Republicans had slowed, or even stopped, have returned to levels not seen in decades.
The US Senate is once again in play for the GOP with places like Pennsylvania and Arizona showing great promise. The House always expected to move into GOP control looks like it could once again see large Republican/Conservative gains.
In New York I expect to see 9, 10 or even 11 Republican/Conservative members of Congress. Currently, that number sits at 8.
The State Senate is poised to see many GOP/Conservative gains as well. And a shocker for many is the likelihood that the Assembly Republicans will see their greatest number of wins since 1994.
As much as the strong efforts of our party and its candidates are responsible for the pending gains, much credit should also, sadly, go to the Democratic Party. Their policies and candidates who gave us out of control inflation, unsafe streets, porous borders and a foreign policy that has made the United States unable to project the influence of a great power, have led to a New York State and America clearly on a decline. Look no further than the New York Post article in which a City Hall staffer admitted the Eric Adams Administration has no idea what to do with illegal immigrants flooding into NYC.
It is my continued ask that we do not get complacent, we must work hard and get out every single vote either through Absentee Ballot, Early Voting, or on Election Day November 8th. We’re almost there!
Early Voting October 29 through November 6
Early voting as you know is in person voting. Our voters should take advantage of this nine day opportunity to cast their vote early. It helps ensure our vote is coming out in large numbers. To win in New York State we need every person who thinks the way we do, or believes the state is heading in the wrong direction, to get out and vote!
If we lose, it will be because we did not vote. Conservatives and Republicans who don’t vote do one thing—elect Democrats. The Democratic Party has such a large voter advantage, we cannot afford to leave votes on the table. Of course, if for some reason you do not vote early, make sure you make a plan for you and your family to vote on November 8th.
Early Vote and Election Day Volunteers
If you are not already committed to local Conservative Party efforts, I ask you to contact the State Conservative Party at 718-921-2158 or by E-mail at nyscp@aol.com in order for us to make you part of our final GOTV and ballot security efforts.
Of course, you will be assigned to your local community. The point simply being that we need to get the vote out and can take no chances with the integrity of our elections.
The Conservative Party Releases their 2022 Legislative Ratings
The Conservative Party congratulates Senators Jordan, Lanza, O’Mara, Ortt and Tedisco and Assembly Member Manktelow on their 100% ratings.
Keeping with its tradition, the Conservative Party tracked legislation throughout the session, issued support and opposition memos on pending legislation, and determined, at an executive committee meeting, which key issues best represent the direction of the state. The legislation considered comprise a variety of issues including, but not limited to criminal justice reform, infringement on our 2nd Amendment rights, radical green programs, and pro-life issues that affect the lives of all New Yorkers. “We believe that it is necessary to keep the public informed of key votes and let the taxpayers be aware of how elected officials spend our hard-earned money. Every bill is reviewed, and then we narrow them down to 25 specific bills to give voters a fair assessment of what transpires in Albany,” said Gerard Kassar, State Chairman. “As people go through the bills used this year it shows New Yorkers how out of touch the Democratic leaders of legislature are with the average citizen; many are costly, sometimes unwarranted, and a few will show how they try to help New Yorkers,” said Kassar. The full release and the ratings can be viewed here.
We’ve come a long way since 1962; Come help us Celebrate!
Our 60th Anniversary Reception featuring keynote speaker, Larry Kudlow, and our guest of honor, John Gizzi is just 4 days from today! If you haven’t purchased your ticket(s) yet, please visit us on our website to purchase your tickets today. I eagerly await seeing and greeting everyone in New Rochelle on Tuesday, October 18th as we gather to celebrate our honorees and rally to get out our vote and elect Lee Zeldin this November.
Today is the last day to register to vote in the November 8th Election.
Click here to be certain that you are registered to vote and if not get to any state agency or County Board of Elections TODAY to register. Has anyone in your family recently turned 18? If so, be certain that they make their voice heard in the upcoming elections.
Columbus Day is an important part of the Italian American culture here in America. It was designated to celebrate the United States of America and our commitment to growing as a nation and welcoming in hard working immigrants in search of contributing to our society and achieving the American dream.
Between 1880 and 1924, more than four million Italians immigrated to America and got right to work providing labor in factories and mines. They built roads, tunnels, homes, skyscrapers and dams. They started small businesses, many of which still thrive today.
Christopher Columbus Day is not an excuse to honor just one man, but an opportunity to celebrate a journey that led to over five hundred years of immigration from all over the world. America provides opportunity unlike anywhere else. We welcome with open arms those who wish to come to our great country the right way, work hard, and contribute to American society in search of a better life for their families.
The short sighted attempt by the woke liberal left to cancel Columbus Day is wrong. Those who truly have no understanding of what we are celebrating continue their shortsighted efforts to cancel what Christopher Columbus accomplished without today’s technology. I remain committed to celebrating Columbus Day every second Monday of October and celebrating all the contributions Italian Americans have made, and continue to make, to the greatest country on earth—The United States of America.
CONSERVATIVE PARTY URGES VOTERS TO VOTE COLUMN “C” AND TO REJECT ALL BALLOT PROPOSITIONS BY VOTING “NO”
The Conservative Party organizations in the counties of the City of New York sent the below press release out on 10/5/22.
The Conservative Party urges voters to support its nominees by voting for its candidates on Column “C” and to reject all four ballot propositions by voting “NO” on each question.
The Conservative Party of New York State opposes Proposition One. This statewide referendum, known as the Environmental Bond Act of 2022, asks New York voters to authorize new state debt of $4.2 billion through the sale of bonds for certain capital projects relating to the environment.
“New Yorkers do not need another $4.2 billion in public debt, together with its resulting debt service, due to actions by the Federal Reserve, will be issued at the highest interest rates New Yorkers have seen in decades,” said New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar. “We fear New York State’s reputation for unchecked spending will result in the possibility of the state legislature spending the entirety of the $4.2 billion on projects that should be paid with existing authorized debt, new federal sources, and pay as you go where possible.”
The Conservative Party organizations in the counties of the City of New York additionally oppose Propositions Two, Three, and Four. These citywide referendums propose meritless statements of value, divisive racial equity plans, and the adoption of dubious cost of living metrics. They are contrived proposals based upon dishonest claims peddled by the professional grievance industry. Not only are they a waste of taxpayer money, but they are each in direct conflict with the values of personal achievement, equality of opportunity, and free enterprise, all of which made New York a once-great city.
“Once again, the liberal government officials of the City of New York have missed the mark,” said Kings County Chairwoman Frances T. Vella-Marrone. “Instead of focusing on the real problems facing the City such as increased crime, rise in the cost of living and a broken education system, they are presenting the voters with proposals that will do nothing to improve the lives of New Yorkers but rather encourage division and waste the taxpayers money.”
“With the current state of our city, the last thing we need to do is pass these propositions,” said Bronx County Chairman Patrick McManus. “We are ALL New Yorkers and any measure put forth should serve to unite us rather than divide us!”
“With rising crime and a declining quality of life, New Yorkers do not need foolish proposals for fabricated problems,” said Richmond County Chairman David Mario Curcio. “It is precisely these types of divisive and destructive policies that motivated our county organization to endorse the municipal independence of Staten Island from the City of New York last year. Just say no.”
Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 8, 2022, preceded by nine scheduled days of early voting. The Conservative Party encourages voters to VOTE COLUMN “C” for candidates and to VOTE “NO” on all four ballot proposal questions which will appear on the reverse side of the ballot.
President Biden in the Mid-Hudson
President Biden visited the Mid-Hudson to tout all he has done to help IBM. In reality, he found something to take credit for on his way to two fundraisers, one held in New Jersey and the other in New York City. Both fundraisers were in support for Democratic House and Senate candidates who see no cause for concern with inflation and crime, both of which are crippling New Yorker’s.
If he really wanted to help Democrats, he wouldn’t use a governmental trip as a cover to attend two high priced fundraisers. He would instead work to secure the Southern Border and get inflation under control. More than 17,000 illegal immigrants have been bussed to New York City alone since the summer, causing Eric Adams to declare a State of Emergency. The irony and hypocrisy from the Mayor are astounding. In August, the Del Rio Sector alone recorded more than 50,000 apprehensions. Overall, Texas has more than 100,000 border crossings a month. What New York City and Mayor Adams are experiencing is a drop in the bucket compared to what is happening in Texas. Mayor Adams is failing the City of New York by not calling on the Biden Administration to secure the border.
60TH Anniversary Reception
We are less than two weeks away from our 60th Anniversary Reception featuring keynote speaker, Larry Kudlow, and our guest of honor, John Gizzi. I look forward to seeing everyone in New Rochelle on October 18th as we gather to celebrate our honorees and rally to get out our vote and elect Lee Zeldin this November.
Please visit us on our website to purchase your tickets today.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
October 6, 2022
Brooklyn, NY – “U.S. District Court Judge Glenn Suddaby is correct in blocking several enforcement provisions in New York’s hastily passed new gun laws. The Constitution is clear on the Second Amendment, and efforts by New York Democrats to require social media background checks for gun purchasers, among other things, violate both First and Second Amendment rights. We commend Justice Suddaby for properly flagging very real Constitutional concerns in New York’s new laws.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
October 3, 2022
Brooklyn, NY – “New York voters are being asked to authorize new state debt of $4.2 billion through the sale of bonds for certain capital projects relating to the environment.
“The Conservative Party opposes the passage of the Environmental Bond Act; previous environmental bond acts still have millions of dollars unspent.
“The Conservative Party, since its founding in 1962, has worked to be a respected fiscal watchdog for New York’s taxpayers and all future New Yorkers who will suffer under the weight of expanding debt.
“Currently New York’s debt obligations are in excess of $160 billion. That amounts to almost $8,500 dollars in state debt for every single adult and child in New York State. That is $34,000 in state debt alone for a family of four.
“New Yorkers do not need another $4.2 billion in public debt, together with its resulting debt service, due to actions by the Federal Reserve, will be issued at the highest interest rates New Yorkers have seen in decades.
“The Act and arguments in favor reference a number of projects that appear to warrant consideration. However, The Conservative Party maintains that a full review and application of all funds that remains from pervious state actions should be used before an additional $4.2 billion is incurred.
“Despite our concern with the Biden Administration’s massive public work projects authorized over the past twelve months billions in funds are likely to come to our state. These billions should be used prior to New York State raising capital revenue through the passage of said Bond Act.
“We fear New York State’s reputation for unchecked spending will result in the possibility of the state legislature spending the entirety of the $4.2 billion on projects that should be paid with existing authorized debt, new federal sources, and pay as you go where possible.
“The Conservative Party urges a NO VOTE ON BALLOT PROPOSITION ONE.”
The Conservative Party was the first to blow the whistle on an attempt by Assemblywoman Mitaynes and Senator Ramos to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day. Erasing history might be fine if you are living under a Stalin type regime, but that will not happen here.
In the end, we can thank Lee Zeldin for putting a stop to it. Within hours of the proposal going public Lee Zeldin declared that his administration would have no part of such a crazy, disrespectful idea.
Of course, Governor Hochul then agreed, in essence, reversing her lack of interest in protecting Columbus Day, which was very apparent last year. New York has plenty of very real pressing needs. Re-naming a holiday enjoyed by millions of residents and guests, not just Italian Americans, is not one of them.
President Biden continues to raise eyebrows with his odd behavior. This week he made a peculiar comment at a public event concerning the whereabouts of the late Congresswoman Jackie Walorski who tragically died in a car crash in early August.
The White House, which is now very experienced with covering up the President’s strange behavior, was quick to come up with a nonsensical explanation that she was on his mind despite the fact he asked the event crowd “Where is Jackie? She must not be here.”
The President’s cognitive state has been a frequent topic well before his election. As the 2024 election approaches, he should submit to an independent examination to ensure the American people and the world that he is mentally fit of doing his job. Americans deserve to know their Commander- in- Chief is making final decisions, not some unknown, unelected White House staff member.
Independent Efforts Activated to Save Our State
Commercials are appearing throughout the state taking aim at Governor Hochul and her re-election efforts from independent groups focused on crime, inflation and the economy.
This will help even the playing field against the gigantic war chest that Hochul has accumulated through a fundraising effort that has been accused of corruptly providing no bid contracts to Hochul friends. This is, unfortunately, no surprise as Hochul corruption ties run deep.
Public information indicates that two Independent Expenditures (IE’s) are spending currently over $2 million a week bringing forth the truth about the Hochul Administration to the people of New York.
We are just over a month away from Election Day. It is imperative we get voters out to the polls to give New York a fighting chance; free of a corrupt Hochul and shadow of a disgraced Andrew Cuomo.
