“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
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
December 20, 2022
Statement From New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar On Devious Albany Pay Raise Scheme
Brooklyn, NY — “Democrat leaders in the State Legislature are once again breaking the public trust by sneaking through a massive pay raise for themselves during the holidays when the fewest number of New Yorkers are watching. The proper time to have proposed a pay increase would have been during the elections when the public could weigh in, but, of course, that’s not how Albany works under one-party Democrat rule. The whole thing stinks of corrupt intent, frankly.
“The Conservative Party also opposes Democrat efforts to make state legislative offices full-time positions. If this change is forced through, New Yorkers will have to pay more for the same substandard government they get now. And God knows what other foolishness a full-time legislature could impose on us.
“New Yorkers are cynical about their state government for a reason. It reeks of self-interest year in and year out. The public deserves better.”
The Legislature is planning on returning soon to vote themselves a more then 18% pay raise
bringing their salaries to $130,000 a year for a part-time job. The Conservative Party remains
opposed to any pay increase for its part-time Legislature.
Our opposition is based on both an objective and subjective view of the Assembly and Senate.
Subjectively, they do an awful job. Frankly, the party does not want to pay them more for giving
us unsafe streets, a sour economy, depopulation of entire regions, infringements on second
amendment rights, suppression of individual rights through mandates just to make a few points.
Objectively, the job is part-time despite efforts to eliminate outside income which will result in a
Legislature devoid of members who are part of the actual work force. This loss to the Legislature
of individuals who work at regular jobs or own businesses will do significant harm to a body that
strives to be representative of the government. The planned salary increases to $130,000 annually is
better than double the average salary of a single New Yorker working full-time.
We should call this what it is, a heist. But instead of ski masks, they’re wearing suits and dresses.
Lame Duck Session
The House of Representatives, controlled by the Democrats for less than two more weeks, is
moving full speed during its final days to pass spending legislation filled with numerous
programs that would go nowhere in the Republican controlled House that was recently elected by the
people of the United States.
It is not certain if the current Republican membership of the House operating in a tight minority
can win the day. What we do know is that the current 50/50 Senate can prevent the House Democrats
and Schumer from moving forward.
Our Conservative Party-endorsed delegation of eleven House members who will be taking office
on January 3rd understand and agree with our position. However, to win and get to next year we
need the US Senate to stand up.
At the moment, it does not look like that will happen. Put one more check mark next to a reason
why Mitch McConnell needs to go.
Executive Director Shaun Marie Levine to Retire
They say all good things must come to an end, in this case good is an understatement.
After more than twenty-seven years of steering the Conservative Party on a day-to-day basis our
Executive Director, Shaun Marie, has informed me that she plans to retire effective December 31st.
Shaun has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Party for Mike Long, for me and most importantly for you.
Frankly, she is irreplaceable.
The good news is that she will remain the Executive Vice Chairman of the State Party and as
such she will continue to play a key leadership role.
We will have much more to say about Shaun Marie in the weeks to follow as her service is worthy of
being recognized on its own. For now, allow me on your behalf and mine to say THANK YOU!
The Party is now taking on the enormous task of interviewing a successor to Shaun Marie for the position of Executive Director. I hope to have an announcement soon.
New York States three largest authorities: Thruway Authority, Port Authority and the MTA are all planning to raise tolls and fares in 2023. In the case of the MTA, they are looking at significant fare increases above the increases that were already scheduled.
It is no accident that these authorities operate outside of direct taxpayer control. Years ago, the Legislature and Governor designed their creation to insulate elected officials from criticism that would certainly result from the increases that have become as regular as he change of seasons.
It is also clear that the tolls and fares we all pay are the equivalent of a gigantic tax that disguises itself as revenue to cover necessary operation, but as a bottom line comes out of your pocket. Transparency is an alien word to these authorities and public hearings no more than a short detour from their objective to raise tolls and fees.
Inflation hits all of us in bad ways. These fare and toll increases will be blamed on inflation as an excuse to be even more egregious, though we know these increases will not go away even when inflation comes under control. When our local and state government make a mistake, their fix is to always throw your money at it.
Jeffries Elected New Democratic House Leader
The senior Democratic House leadership might have moved from the West Coast to the East Coast, but do not expect any difference in political stewardship. As San Francisco’s Nancy Pelosi leaves the stage and Brooklyn’s Hakeem Jeffries ascends to Minority Leader, expect many of the same failed Democratic ideas to emerge from their conference. The main difference will be that, as the Minority Party, the likelihood that we will see a repeat of the gigantic spending and tax increases of the past two years repeat themselves is zero.
Terrible public safety policies which Pelosi put on the floor for a vote, which Congressman Jeffries supports, will not see the light of day. And environmental advocacy which focuses more on unrealistic goals than job retention and creation will find itself relegated to academic discussions.
I respect all those who enter the arena of public service. Hakeem Jeffries has worked hard and honorably to become the Democratic Leader. In fact, the national center of Democratic legislative power is in Brooklyn with both Schumer and Jeffries residing in the borough.
Having said that, we should all be especially thankful that Hakeem Jeffries is leading the Minority Party which should deter him from being an extension of the tax and spend Pelosi era.
Save The Date
Our annual Conservative Political Action Conference will be on a new date and at a new location. We think you will like the change.
The venue will be the Albany Hilton directly across the street from the NYS Capitol in downtown Albany. The dates are Sunday, February 5th through Monday, February 6th. There will even be some official activities on Saturday night for those who arrive early.
A lot is coming together right now, but expect more on how to organize, run political organizations, advocate, get candidates on the ballot and run campaigns. Of course, we will be having a Sunday night reception, Monday lunch, and Monday evening Legislative Reception along with a dinner where we thank our 100% legislatively rated representatives. We will also release our 2023 platform.
Expect to see both new and returning Congressmembers, as well as our State Legislative leaders.
Speakers will present on both national and state issues, and we are looking at breakout sessions and a more interactive event in general.
We just concluded one of the most successful election cycles in Conservative Party history with many victories and a record-breaking number of votes. This will be a great way to start the new year. More details to be released in the coming weeks.
It’s official, Nancy Pelosi will hand over the gavel to the new Speaker of the House, Republican Kevin McCarthy. This puts an end to Pelosi’s ultra-liberal leadership reign in Washington D.C. that lasted off and on for over two decades.
The New York State Conservative Party is proud to have played a pivotal role in securing a new Republican Majority. Eleven newly elected members of Congress from New York ran with Conservative Party support, and the Conservative Party line provided the direct margin of victory in four of those races.
In all, more than 200,000 of the party’s 310,000 statewide votes were cast on the Conservative Party line for the 11 victorious congressional candidates. The role the party played all over New York cannot be overstated. It is fair to say without the support of our voters, the majority of whom only cast their votes for Conservative endorsed candidates, the Republican Party nationally would be in clear danger of not being the majority party. Read my statement on the Republican House Victory here.
We look forward to hitting the ground running and having even more of a presence as we begin building the infrastructure and raising the money necessary to deliver again in 2024.
New York’s Elise Stefanik Re-Elected Conference Chair
Elise Stefanik, the fourth ranking Republican in Washington, is certain to continue to play a leading role in developing national policies to combat the horrendous economic, public safety and foreign policies of President Biden and the House Democrats.
With eleven elected Members of Congress and Elise in a leadership role, New York will certainly play a large role nationally. Our New York Delegation has a bright future ahead. I look forward to working with them and advocating for policies that best protect the residents and guests of our state.
Happy Thanksgiving
Since there is no weekly wrap up coming next week due to the holiday, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very safe and happy Thanksgiving. With another long and tedious election cycle behind us, I hope everyone finds time to relax with friends and family.
I am not one to play favorites among holidays. They each have special meaning and should be celebrated for the intrinsic meaning each represents. Certainly, Thanksgiving is different from Memorial Day which is different from Christmas. Yet Thanksgiving might be the one holiday that touches upon all the rest.
On Christmas we give thanks for the coming of Christ. On the 4th of July we are thankful for the nation we live in. Veteran’s Day is a day to thank our veterans for their service and President’s Day for the service of our Chief Executives.
Almost all holidays are about being in one way or another thankful. Next Thursday we celebrate the one holiday that has thanks in its name.
Thanksgiving is also one of the lower stress holidays, at least for those not making the turkey. And of course, it has both secular and religious meanings as Americans in a broad sense recognize the establishment of a permanent European presence in what would become the original thirteen colonies, as well as the role of Native Americans in aiding these early colonists.
At some point Thursday could well become for you more about the turkey or a football game maybe even the World Cup. It could be about one of the many movies that tell the story of the Mayflower. That is fine, but do it with your family, take some time to give thanks for all God has afforded us as Americans. Grateful Day does not have the same ring to it, but we should be grateful for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us this Thanksgiving.
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.
