Happy Thanksgiving

On behalf of the New York State Conservative Party and our members, we wish you a joyous and blessed Thanksgiving. As we gather and prepare the turkey for this holiday, we are reminded of President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation, in which he called upon “the American people to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” His words invoked both gratitude for our blessings and a deep spiritual acknowledgment of God’s presence, calling all Americans to unite in thanks.

Some seventy years later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a proclamation establishing the last Thursday in November as our official Thanksgiving Day. This act, while securing a national holiday, also echoed the sentiment that Lincoln first expressed. A day to reflect on our nation’s blessings, regardless of hardship, and to offer thanks. It is a time for us to extend our hands and hearts to those in need. It is a time for warmth and reflection, as we are always striving to do better. 

As the Conservative Party of New York, we have much to be grateful for this year. We stand firm in our commitment to protecting the values that have made America great—faith, family, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. We continue to fight for the principles that have sustained this nation for over two centuries. This year, we are grateful for all our members and supporters. Without you, we would not have an incoming Conservative President and countless down ballot candidates across New York. In addition to earning a  Republican led House, and  Republican majority in the United States Senate. We are immensely proud and thankful to receive over 313,000 votes on our line this year. Again, this could not be done without your steadfast support, and we cannot thank you enough for your efforts. 

This Thanksgiving, let us all take a moment to express gratitude not only for the freedoms we enjoy, but also for the strength we draw from our shared values. Let us remain mindful of the blessings that come with living in a nation where liberty and opportunity is not just a slogan, but a reality. May this spirit of thankfulness extend to our families, our communities, and our nation as a whole. 

God bless you all, and may God continue to bless America.

STEFANIK AND ZELDIN JOINING PRESIDENT TRUMP’S CABINET

New Yorkers should be immensely proud that President Trump has selected Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, and former Congressman Lee Zeldin to serve in his Presidential Cabinet. There isn’t anyone more deserving to serve our Country than New York’s best and brightest. 

We are sad to see Elise vacate her Congressional seat, but we know she will have New York, and our Country, at the top of her mind as she navigates her duties as Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is currently a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. Her fight against antisemitism was applauded across both sides of the aisle during the Harvard President House investigation that turned national news. You can read our full press release on Elise here: 

Lee Zeldin has been traveling the Country with President Trump, helping our congressional/down ballot candidates across New York, helped fight against Prop 1, and turned the tide in New York two years ago when he ran for Governor. Ever since then, Lee has been a major resource and idol for conservative activists around the Country. The EPA has vastly overreached under the Biden Administration, reestablishing a regulatory environment that has suppressed billions of dollars of economic growth. Lee Zeldin is the perfect candidate to undo Bidens policy mess and unleash American energy at home. With Lee’s help, America will be energy independent once again. You can read our full press release on Lee here:

Elise Stefanik and Lee Zeldin have longtime and close relationships with the Conservative Party.  They will both make excellent members of the President’s cabinet representing the interests of the United States, the President, and our conservative philosophy at the United Nations and the EPA.

The President and his transition team are on track to round out our new government quickly, with many fine appointments.  Our nation needs to overcome the many setbacks we experienced during the Biden/Harris years. With control of the Senate and House, the President should have a memorable first one hundred days that will make our Party proud.

To that point we are now at 311,000 votes statewide and growing. However, now is not the time to let up the gas. The Conservative Party will continue to register new voters, spread Trump’s message, and drain the swamp one day at a time! 

NO TO CONGESTION PRICING

Governor Hochul’s scheme to quickly revive congestion pricing is no more than a cynical attempt to get ahead of President Trump’s firm objection to the program before he takes office. She has made clear that she intentionally set the new pricing at $9 to outmaneuver a federal requirement that a new environmental impact study be conducted.  Biden waived a full study, and of course, Trump will not.

Congestion pricing is immensely unpopular. With good reason, being that it is no more than a tax on hard working New Yorkers already overtaxed and over regulated.  

The radical MTA leadership is constantly looking for a cash cow unwilling to deal with systematic problems including hundreds of millions in fare beating, as well as a bloated payroll containing thousands of ultra-high paid bureaucrats, often doing duplicative jobs.

Congressional opposition led by Republicans Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and Mike Lawler, is bi-partisan, with several high-profile Democrats joining with the GOP.  Remember, almost 70% of New Yorkers disapprove of congestion pricing.

Hochul may get away with turning on the collection devices. If so, I would not be surprised if the Trump Administration, bolstered by solid Congressional support, turns them off upon being sworn into office.

Hochul, often described as one of the worst Governors in modern history, is certainly one of the most unpopular.

FEMA IGNORES TRUMP SUPPORTERS

I never thought I would read such a headline, but it turns out there’s a lot more rot in government than we are aware. There is one thing people can’t control, natural disasters, such as tornados, hurricanes, floods, etc. The way you vote, your ethnicity, race, financial situation, should not matter. Our politicians, and government employees are expected to put their partisanship aside and rise up to the challenge at hand for their fellow citizens. Especially in life-or-death situations. In this case, FEMA completely failed in their mission and ignored homes in Florida with Trump signs/banners. Imagine your home has been completely destroyed, and you are waiting for FEMA or any government assistance, but because of your political beliefs, you can be ignored even in the most dire of situations. 

The FEMA supervisor was fired for her actions but claims this was essentially common practice and she was just following orders. According to Fox News, “The Daily Wire first reported that government employees told the outlet at least 20 homes with Trump signs or flags were bypassed from the end of October into November due to “best practices” guidance from Washington. The houses were skipped over by the workers, who wrote messages such as “Trump sign no entry per leadership” in a government system, per the outlet.” In other words, the politics of the homeowners caused the FEMA employees to feel unsafe.

This story obviously brings immense disgust to the Conservative Party and our members, but we were glad to see Governor Ron DeSantis order a full investigation into this madness. After a thorough investigation is done in Florida, it would not surprise me if an investigation continued under the Trump administration. We know the swamp isn’t going to be easy to drain, but we have all the right tools in place to do so in the next 4 years.

Honoring Our Veterans

As we move through another historic week and wrap up the Presidential cycle, it is essential that we pause and reflect on the sacrifices that have been made by our brave men and women in uniform—those who have served, and continue to serve, in defense of our cherished freedoms. This weekend, as we prepare for Veterans Day, let us take a moment to honor the fallen and the living, the heroes who have answered the call to protect the United States of America.

From the beaches of Normandy to the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, American soldiers have faced unimaginable challenges. They have fought on distant shores, in jungles, deserts, and frozen tundras, always with one goal in mind: to preserve and defend the values that make America great. Their sacrifices have come at great cost. Many have given their lives. Many have returned with wounds that will last a lifetime. 

These men and women did not fight for glory or personal gain. They fought for something greater than themselves. It is through their service that we enjoy the liberty and opportunity that so many take for granted. In the midst of the most trying conflicts, they have stood strong, representing the best of our country. And even in times of peace, they are prepared and training to defend us at all costs. 

Our veterans have sacrificed family time, health, and sometimes even their own futures, to ensure that we live in peace. They have served as our first line of defense, protecting the ideals of freedom not just for Americans, but for people around the globe. 

As we honor our veterans, we must also remember that the freedoms we enjoy did not come without cost. The foundation of our nation was laid by those who were willing to give everything for liberty, and it is up to us to uphold that legacy. The blood, sweat, and tears of those who came before us are a debt we can never fully repay, but one we must strive to honor every day with patriotism. 

To close, I leave you with a reflection from General Douglas MacArthur, a man who understood the weight of duty and sacrifice more than most. His words remind us that the essence of our nation is rooted in the courage and honor of those who serve: 

“The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.”
— General Douglas MacArthur

May God bless our veterans, their families, and this great nation. 

EARLY VOTING

Statewide early voting has been very positive. In many places, as of yesterday, the Conservative Party & Republican Party members voting was greater than the Democratic Party voters which is a first, and certainly an encouraging sign.

Early in-person voting is secure, being strongly advocated by the Conservative & Republican Parties, as well as President Trump and local candidates. The early vote is not only looking good for our candidates, but also good for the effort to defeat Proposition One that is on the back of your ballot.

Banking votes through early voting helps us refine our election day GOTV activities for a maximum turnout, as well as eliminating any last-minute glitches you might have while getting out to vote.

You have until Sunday evening to vote early, please do.  You can use the following site to locate your early voting location and its times of operation here:

MSG RALLY

The Conservative Party had dozens of activists at the gigantic Trump/Vance rally last Sunday at Madison Square Garden. Everyone had an amazing time, being happy to spend six hours listening to many great speeches from the likes of House Speaker Johnson, Elise Stefanik, Hulk Hogan, Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Melania Trump, JD Vance and of course Donald Trump, among others.

The crowd of 20,000 New Yorkers, mostly from the city, was electric in their response to the former President.

In fact, there were tens of thousands of Trump fans turned away with the ticket promotion being filled just a few hours after they became available.

I had the opportunity to spend some of the event with Congressmembers Nicole Malliotakis, Mike Lawler and Claudia Tenney, as well as Speaker Johnson.  The elected officials were as upbeat as the crowd, talking about the necessary changes that will come to America on the economy, border security, public safety, and respect abroad with a change in Party’s managing the White House.

Speaker Johnson feels strongly that a Trump win will ensure GOP House control, to which I agree.

Former Governor and VP candidate Sarah Palin was also present.  I had a chance to chat with her. Her interest and knowledge of New York City was amazing. She reminded me that the subway system was celebrating its 120^th anniversary that weekend.  She also had a detailed take on what types of media reach different audiences.

As usual many media outlets recognizing that Trump will be elected President used this enormously successful rally to look for opportunities to criticize the crowd and former President.  Trump supporters are not having it and Trump himself turns these attacks to his advantage every time they are launched.

My last words to you this campaign season is to Vote straight Row C from top to bottom and to turn the ballot over and Vote No on Prop One.

Prop 1 Ad to Appear at Bills, Jets, Giants Game

As the Conservative Party continues to push Ads informing people to Vote No on Prop 1, there is also another great Ad that was recently released by VotenoOnProp1.org. You can view the Ad here. I encourage you all to check it out and share with your friends. There is going to be a massive vote no on Prop 1 Ad playing on commercial break during some of the most watch games of the year. You should expect to see the Ad in the upcoming Jets, Giants, and Bills games! You can read the article about the ad buy and which games it will appear here.

Patriots Podium Episode #28 Featuring Mike Sapraicone

Our Conservative/Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, Mike Sapraicone has been to every corner of NYS and back. His enthusiasm, grassroots support, and work ethic is something to be acknowledged. Unlike his counterpart, Senator Gillibrand, who only pops up once and awhile around Election week. I am sure many of you have had the chance to either listen to Mike speak, or meet him, but if not. This podcast is perfect for you to learn more about our great candidate, and his conservative vision for NYS. I hope you all give this a listen and share. You can watch the episode here:

Don’t forget to vote Row C for Mike Sapraicone, who will be a fierce advocate for you, and the Conservative movement!

Fall Reception

There is still time to RSVP for the Conservative Party’s Fall Reception! Please join us on October 29th, at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle at 6:30 pm. We have some great speakers announced such as Mike Sapraicone, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne, and much more! There will also be appearances from other congressmembers, state/local legislators, candidates, political activists, etc. We will also have Brianna Lyman, who many of you might know from her appearances on Fox News and Newsmax as a contributor/reporter. In addition, Radio personality, Jim Kerr, will be our Master of Ceremonies for the evening. This will be a great Pre-Election Rally you won’t want to miss! Get your tickets here: https://secure.anedot.com/nyscp/2024fallreception

Vote No in NYC on City Proposals 1 Through 6

There are many local proposals on the ballot around NYS.  At Headquarters, in addition to questions about Proposition One, we receive many calls on NYC proposals 2 through 6.  These proposals have been described as a power grab by NYC’s corrupt Mayor.  They will cost you money directly by making the city a vendor for certain items and/ or indirectly through increasing costs. Even where they appear to have merit, they simply create new layers of expensive bureaucracy. In NYC Vote No on Proposition’s 1 through 6 which you will find on the back of the ballot.

ELECT DONALD TRUMP ON ROW C- NEW STATEWIDE PARTY DIGITAL AD

The New York State Conservative Party is running a statewide 30-second digital advertisement urging New York voters to support Donald J. Trump for President on Row C – the Conservative Party line. You can view the AD here:

New York is ready for a new direction, and a second Trump Presidency will restore sanity to our streets, put more money in our pockets, and make the world a safer place. We are asking New Yorkers to vote for President Trump on Row C to send a clear message across the state that progressivism has run its course here, and that it’s left the state in tatters. It’s time to bring common sense back to New York and back to America.

If you would like to help us expand our reach, please visit the link here to contribute to the State Party.

 Highly Respected Fact Checker Politifact Confirms Prop 1 Will Threaten Girls Sports

The Conservative Party has been warning for months that the carelessly written Prop 1 Ballot Amendment would lead to boys and biological males gaining a Constitutional right to play on girls sports teams in New York. Respected independent media fact-checker Politifact confirmed recently.

For months the political Left has been gaslighting New Yorkers who could see plain as day where this radical amendment would lead. The facts are now on the table. Not to mention, it will also allow for taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants, strip parents of their parental rights, and silence free speech. The Conservative Party has a very successful AD campaign against Prop 1 that can be viewed here:

Comings and Goings

As you can imagine, with 18 days until Election Day, it has been a very busy week. I can also assure you that our candidates are even busier. I had the opportunity to travel around the State supporting our Conservative candidates and committees that are working tirelessly to save New York. This is what my week consisted of:

-Had a great time attending and speaking at the Wayne County Conservative Party’s highly successful annual dinner.  Congratulations Chairman Garlock on a great event!

– Marching in Brooklyn’s Columbus Day Parade with our US Senate candidate Mike Sapraicone. Mike is everywhere, all the time. He is doing everything right to win voters over this November, and the Conservative Party is proud to stand by him.

– Attended an endorsement press conference for State Senate candidate Steve Chan by Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. A lot of eyes are on this highly contested race!

-Conservatives and many others campaigned for President Trump in Brooklyn handing out literature, which was so well received, that I texted the President a note letting him know. He was thrilled with the enthusiasm in New York, especially with the upcoming MSG rally.

-State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt held a press conference against the disastrous Prop 1 which I was front and center. Remember to VOTE NO, and spread the word!

-My wife Janet and I luckily had the chance to make it to the Staten Island GOP Reagan Day Brunch, which is always fantastic.

-Lastly, I spoke at a NY City Hall announcement of a new 501 (c 3) entitled “Save Our City” of which I am a founding member, and Co-Chaired an SRCC fundraiser hosted by former Governor Pataki in support of NYS Senate members and candidates.

There remains a lot of work to be done between now and November 5^th if we are to maintain our strength in Congress, break the super majorities, elect Mike Sapraicone and re-elect President Trump. I hope all of our Party’s supporters can find some time for action.

To that point, the following link is to a statewide election integrity project that our Director of Operations Andrew Davis is overseeing. For those who are not working through their county organizations, a way to play a necessary role in the lead-up and activities for election day. Get involved here: