“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
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Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
December 14, 2021
Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on JCOPE Ordering that Cuomo Return $5.1 Million From Controversial Book Deal
Brooklyn, NY – “Gov. Andrew Cuomo never should have profited from the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) is right to demand the return of the illicit $5.1 million windfall he received from his book publisher.
“JCOPE must now rule on whether Mr. Cuomo can use campaign dollars to fight this decision in court. He should be precluded from doing so; the book deal was entered into for personal profit and had nothing to do with the duties of his office.
“The Conservative Party urges the continued investigation into whether Mr. Cuomo falsified nursing home death numbers to land the lucrative book contract. Only then will the public fully understand what was going on behind the doors of the State Capitol during the early days of the pandemic.
“The wheels of justice turn slowly, but they do in fact turn.”
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Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
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November 26, 2021
Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on Gov. Hochul’s Politicization of Redistricting Process
Brooklyn, NY – “As millions of New Yorkers prepared for the Thanksgiving holiday Wednesday afternoon, Governor Kathy Hochul surreptitiously signed into law legislation that would overrule the will of New York voters by giving the Democrat-led State Legislature complete control over New York’s redistricting process.
“New York voters overwhelmingly rejected a November ballot initiative that would have gutted independent redistricting; now Governor Hochul is attempting to subvert their wishes. The New York State Conservative Party will not allow Governor Hochul’s blatant politicization of redistricting to stand.
“One hopes that her machinations will be vigorously reported in the news media and criticized by good government organizations. Had a Republican governor tried to pull this off, one suspects it would be bigger news by now.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
November 22, 2021
Brooklyn, NY – “The deeper one looks at former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s abuses of power during his tenure in the Executive Mansion, the more one wonders how Mr. Cuomo was allowed to misbehave for so long.
“His constant bullying and sexual harassment of state employees was no secret among top advisors, evidently, and virtually nothing was done to stop him or to protect his victims. This raises serious questions about then Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s possible complicity in looking the other way. Clearly, she knew about her boss’s reputation. Did she ever speak to him about it? If not, why not?
“The release of the Assembly investigative report Monday also brought forward additional evidence that Mr. Cuomo personally tampered with nursing home death numbers at the very same time he was negotiating a $5.1 million contract for a book extolling his Covid-19 leadership skills. This remains a matter for serious criminal investigation, as does his use of state employees in the writing of the book. We trust that the various district attorneys looking into Mr. Cuomo will continue their efforts. As Mr. Cuomo’s brother, Chris, so said often of President Donald Trump on CNN, ‘no man is above the law.’”
On behalf of the New York State Conservative Party, I would like to wish you and your families a safe and happy Thanksgiving full of love and reflection. The freedom of this great country in which we live, its opportunity for achievement, and your friendship and confidence in the Party and my leadership is humbling. For all these things and more, I am forever grateful.
Though these last two years have been tough for many, it has reminded us of the need to slow down and take in all the beauty that this life has provided. This Thanksgiving it is my sincere wish you take the time to look back on all the great memories with your family and friends, while working to make more.
“In this spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understood that, truly, one must give in order to receive. This should be a day of giving as well as a day of thanks.”
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Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
November 16, 2021
Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on JCOPE Rescinding Cuomo $5.1 Million Book Deal
Brooklyn, NY – “JCOPE is right to rescind former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s unholy $5.1 million book deal, but not just for the reason it cited.
“Governor Cuomo’s contract with his publisher was being negotiated at the very same time that Mr. Cuomo and his administration were doctoring records to hide thousands of senior citizen deaths caused by misguided Cuomo policy choices. It strains credulity to think Mr. Cuomo would have won this lucrative book contract had that terrible truth been known.
“Mr. Cuomo’s use of state resources alone is sufficient to rescind his contract, but there is more to this story and investigations must continue.”
Keeping with its tradition, the Conservative Party tracked legislation throughout the session, issued support and opposition memos, and determined, at an executive committee meeting, which key issues would be used. The Bills considered comprise a variety of issues including, but not limited to economics, health, safety, 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 considered, and then we narrow the number to give voters a fair assessment of what transpires in Albany. A review of the Bills used this year will show 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.
The overall Senate ratings have consistently dropped since the Democrats took total control. In 2018 the average was 55%, in 2019 the average was 40%, in the COVID-19 shortened session of 2020 the Senate rated a meager 35%; this year the overall Senate rating was 36%. In 2018 the Democratic Senate average was 41%, in 2019 the democratic average plummeted to 14%; it slightly improved to 17% in 2020, however, this year Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins’ democrats averaged a mere 9.4%. Republican Senators, led by Senator Rob Ortt brought their average to 93% from last years’ 71%. Conservative endorsed legislators in the Senate raised their average to 90% an increase of 21% from the 2020 average.
The Assembly’s overall rating remains at 36% same as 2020 and 2019, down 6% from their 2018 rating of 42%. The Democrats in the Assembly average dropped 4.4% this year under the leadership of Speaker Heastie, from 19% to 14.6%. It was 17% in 2019, which was down significantly from their 28% rating in 2018. The 43 Republican Assembly members, under the leadership of Assemblyman Will Barclay, averaged, 89.5% up from 79% in 2020. Conservative Party endorsed Assembly Members also increased their average to 88% up by 9% from 2020.
As noted, the Conservative Republican alliance has the best interest of all New Yorkers when it comes to taxes, crime and every day “kitchen table issues.”
We encourage voters to review the ratings, and contact their legislators to let them know they are doing a good job or in the cases where the average is low, to let them know that you will vote accordingly. New York needs to reestablish a friendly place for entrepreneurs to open businesses and most importantly to create new jobs for those who have been forced out of work due to COVID-19. The current trends adopting progressive ideology – as noted by the numbers — only increases an exodus; families want a safe place to live, and a resurgence of business opportunities that made New York the beacon of hope and prosperity.
Hyper Inflation
Federal economic policies are the real turkey on your table this thanksgiving. From the cost of food, to the price of gas, and most everything else in between one thing is clear; this will be the most expensive holiday season ever.
The USDA is projecting that food-at-home costs will be up between 2.5% and 3.5% for the entire 2021 year. In comparison, the average price of Thanksgiving dinner declined in 2020 by 4% from 2019 prices to $46.90, or about $5 per person according to the Farm Bureau. The Biden administration policies, coupled with supply chain issues, have led to more than a 6% increase this thanksgiving.
With no end in sight to the supply chain issues nationwide, the price increase of everyday consumer goods shows no sign of slowing down. There is no telling where the Biden administration will take us next, but I know I can’t wait to get off this ride.
Beyond Unpopular
Once considered to be the successor to suspected one-term president Joe Biden, VP Kamala Harris finds herself underwater in historic proportions.
Less than 3 out of every 10 Americans have a favorable opinion of the Vice President all but ensuring Kamala Harris never ends up as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.
Harris has yet to do a single solo press conference as the White House knows putting her in front of the camera can only mean more trouble and negative approval ratings for an administration in dire need of a break.
In terms of electability, Kamala Harris has none. Her overall attitude towards the truth, inability to connect with voters and insatiable appetite for treating voters as if we are dumb has more than run its course.
It would come as no surprise to me if the VP continued to see her approval ratings plummet into the low 20’s as the middle class continues to be squeezed out of existence by the Biden/Harris administration in less than ten months on the job.
It was a great night for common sense across New York as voters turned out from all over the state and issued their own mandate; stop the insanity.
From Long Island to Buffalo and everywhere in between, Conservatives and Republicans pulled off resounding victories, sending a clear message that our voting bloc isn’t going away. In fact, we’re getting stronger, more engaged, and clearly, we’re not backing down from the fight as we head into the 2022 midterms rejuvenated and ready to bring more common sense leadership to New York.
The New York State Conservative Party is proud of the impact it had on races in every corner of the state on Tuesday. Our ballot line provided a place for voters of all parties to register their judgement on the direction of New York State politics. What voters said is significant: they’re had it with runaway progressive policies that have rendered New York less safe, less free, more expensive, and less desirable.
The Conservative Party is particularly proud of the role it played in defeating three pernicious ballot initiatives — Propositions 1, 3, and 4 — that would have weakened long established election integrity safeguards and given Democrats even greater partisan control over redistricting. This victory for common sense will reverberate nationally* and hopefully put a stake in the heart of HR1.
Looking Ahead
It has been an exciting week, but this is just the beginning. We must build on this success and begin preparing for the 2022 midterms. We are going to have competitive races throughout the state that are going to need our undivided attention.
We saw what we’re capable of when we’re dialed in, engaged, and spreading our common sense message. We demand safe communities, we demand parent’s rights, and we demand intrusive big government stay out of our lives.
Let us celebrate our historic wins accordingly, but not lose site of the fact that we are right around the corner from another highly competitive election season in which the United States House of Representatives majority is on the line.
*In case you missed what Senator Mitch McConnell said Wednesday 11/03/2021 on the US Senate Floor: One observation from last night: Governors races and state legislative seats weren’t the only things on the ballot last night. Yesterday the deep blue state of New York, New York, the home of the Senate Majority Leader, had two of America’s signature proposals for weaker elections actually on the ballot as ballot measures. Citizens got to vote directly on whether to open the door to two changes, two changes that the politicians wanted. Same-day registration and no excuse absentee voting, on the ballot in New York yesterday. And as of the latest tally a few minutes ago, both proposals were losing. They currently are both losing about 60/40. Even in deep blue New York, citizens appear to be rejecting the Democrats’ demands for weaker elections. So, I think there’s only one question left. Where will the Mets and Yankees end up now? Surely Major League Baseball can’t let them stay in New York after this.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
November 3, 2021
Statement from Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on 2021 New York Elections
Brooklyn, NY – “The New York State Conservative Party is proud of the impact it had on races in every corner of the state on Tuesday. Our ballot line provided a place for voters of all parties to register their judgement on the direction of New York State politics. What voters said is significant: they’re had it with runaway progressive policies that have rendered New York less safe, less free, more expensive, and less desirable.
“The Conservative Party is particularly proud of the role it played in defeating three pernicious ballot initiatives — Propositions 1, 3, and 4 — that would have weakened long established election integrity safeguards and given Democrats even greater partisan control over redistricting. This victory for common sense will reverberate nationally and hopefully put a stake in the heart of HR1.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
October 29, 2021
Statement from Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on Entry of Letitia James into New York Gubernatorial Race
Brooklyn, NY – “The good news is that Letita James will be exiting her position as New York State Attorney General next year. The even better news is that yet another Democrat responsible for New York’s high crime rate, struggling economy, and nation-leading taxes has entered the race for governor. That will allow Congressman Lee Zeldin to present a clear and compelling contrast with his eventual Democrat challenger in November 2022.
“While we wish Attorney General James the best of luck personally, we view her candidacy for governor as anything but refreshing. She’s just another liberal Democrat pushing counterproductive policies in a state that needs to move in a new direction.”
With the early voting period ending Sunday, October 31 and election day Tuesday, November 2, it is critical that you make a plan, grab a family member or friend and go vote. We cannot afford to sit this one out as we are on the brink of flipping NYC Council seats and other offices statewide. This can only be done with you, the voter, turning out in large numbers.
This year, you will also find ballot propositions on the back of your ballot. It is critically important that you flip your ballot and vote NO on propositions 1, 3, and 4. These propositions are Democratic power grabs that make our elections less secure and give the Democrats final authority when it comes to drawing new district lines.
The direction our state is headed in is worrisome to say the least. From Buffalo to New York City, self-proclaimed socialists are running and winning elections at an alarming rate. Voting no on propositions 1, 3, and 4 (that seeks to eliminate the safeguards built into the law that ensures Republicans have an equal role at the Independent Commission [#1], enables same day voter registration [#3] and provides for no excuse absentee voting [#4]; will defeat these ballot overreaching measures and voters will send a clear message that we’re paying attention and we have had enough.
Regaining the House Majority
A poll released this week shows Republicans are in a strong position to be the majority party after the 2022 midterms. This is welcomed news as the first nine months of the Biden Presidency and the 117th Congress has proven to be what we all knew it would be—a disaster for the American people and our pockets.
Here in New York, we have much to be excited about with the candidacy of good, honest public servants such as Colin Schmitt and Marc Molinaro, in addition to strong incumbents such as Elise Stefanik, Chris Jacobs, Andrew Garbarino, and Nicole Malliotakis. We have our work cut out for us and have no time for complacency.
We have much to be concerned about next year, as Congress will surely look to push through another dangerous agenda. Congress has already set the middle class back and is sure to do more harm as our economy has slowed and inflation has risen with no end in sight. Regaining the majority we will have the opportunity, once again, to clean up the mess Nancy Pelosi and her Democratic colleagues have left.
CPNYS 2021 Fall Reception
I want to thank everyone who was in attendance in Westchester last night for our fall reception. It was a pleasure being together; as we, you and I, look forward to returning our annual event to our customary sit down dinner format in 2022.
Your support allows us to keep advocating on behalf of taxpaying New Yorker’s that want to feel safe in their communities, raise their families here in New York and wish to live their lives without constant government interference.
We look forward to the future and increasing the nearly 300,000 votes that were cast on the Conservative Party line in the 2020 election. We plan on playing a big role in the 2022 midterms and being the decisive voting bloc that will be needed to push our candidates over the top and on to victory.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
October 29, 2021
Statement from Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on Plans to Grant Up to $450,000 to Unlawful Immigrants
Brooklyn, NY – “Just when you thought you’ve heard it all from the Biden Administration, a plan so preposterous arises that every American citizen should be rendered speechless, if not enraged.
“Giving $450,000 in U.S. tax dollars to unlawful immigrants who crossed the Mexican border into the U.S. with children illegally is madness, despite the family suffering that was ultimately caused by their own misdeeds. Millions of Americans are struggling to get by under President Biden’s tanking economy, and his priority is making unlawful immigrants rich using their money?
“If Mr. Biden and the Democrats do this, how many more unlawful immigrants will cross into the U.S. with children in tow? Can anybody count that high?”
The early voting period begins this Saturday and I urge everyone to grab a friend or family member and go vote.
The nine months of the Biden Presidency have been flooded with controversy and out of touch policies. We’re feeling the pain at the pump where the average gallon of gas in New York State costs $3.51. Families are having to make sacrifices at the grocery store due to the rise of inflation, and supply chain issues are causing shelves to go empty. We have a humanitarian and health crisis at the southern border and handed Afghanistan back to the Taliban.
Additionally, it is pivotal we flip our ballots and vote NO on propositions 1, 3, and 4! Please make sure your friends and family are aware of the crucial need to vote on these Democratic power grabs. In fact, a NO vote on all five proposals would be the right vote.
We cannot allow this to become the status quo. The opportunity to send a clear message is now. Early voting runs from Saturday, October 23 until Sunday, October 31.
Biden Underwater
President Biden’s approval rating continues to sink as Americans wake up to the harsh new reality he has provided.
The president currently stands at 43% approval and 51% disapproval in an average of the latest national polls. Democrats are keeping a close eye on the approval rating of the President as it could be an indicator of what’s to come in the 2022 midterm elections.
Biden’s declining rate should be a concern to the White House as Democrats cling onto a slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. The biggest alarm should be Biden’s approval among independents; an important voting block for the Democrats. The President has lost seven points since September and has dropped nine points with suburban women.
The Biden experiment is not working, and it only took nine months for Americans to realize it.
Removing Jefferson
Mayor de Blasio and the New York City Council want to drag from City Hall a statue of one of America’s most celebrated presidents and founding fathers that has stood in its chambers for almost a century and a quarter. If that doesn’t tell you the state of this city, nothing will.
Their priority as crime skyrockets, potholes deepen, and public confidence in city government plummets was to erase history.
The genius of our founders lay in their understanding of human fallibility. The nation they envisioned was fixed upon ideals rather than individuals exactly for this reason. We celebrate Jefferson not because he was perfect — no man or woman is — but because he blazed a path for human dignity and freedom that we aspire to achieve every day.
Our Government has abandoned all common sense and reasoning. They spend more time looking for things to be outraged over instead of working to fix the problems right in front of their faces.
2021 Fall Reception
Our fall reception is right around the corner and we look forward to seeing you there. We are happy to welcome gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin amongst many other honored guests.
Come join us for a great evening of fun in Westchester. Register to attend here.
