“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
February 20, 2025
Statement on Corrupt $5.1 Million Cuomo Book Deal/Ethics Commission from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“Although the Conservative Party does not support a state ethics commission that allows law school deans to play a decisive role in the commission’s membership, we do support this week’s Court of Appeals decision.
“Mr. Cuomo’s book contract was negotiated at the same time that his administration was hiding data on the number of nursing home deaths in New York, a clear possible motive for malfeasance. In addition, taxpayer-paid state workers were used to help Mr. Cuomo write the book, at a minimum an ethics violation, The hefty advance on Mr. Cuomo’s book, ‘American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic,’ moreover, was way out of proportion with industry norms.
“New Yorkers need to learn exactly what happened. The Cuomo book deal reeks.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
February 19, 2025
Statement on President Trump Ending Onerous Manhattan Congestion Tax from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“Bravo, President Trump! The unfair and onerous Congestion Pricing Tax scam on New Yorkers is dead. Let’s hope it never sees the light of day again. New Yorkers should thank President Trump, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, Congressman Mike Lawler, and so many other Conservative Republican leaders who refused to let this government injustice stand.
“From the start, this tax was a scandal. The hopelessly mismanaged MTA, which fails to collect billions of dollars in fares and tolls each year, again tried to pass the cost of its incompetence onto New Yorkers who are already paying for MTA services. How could Governor Kathy Hochul and her progressive colleagues not have expected the enormous public blowback?
“Thankfully, President Trump heard us and did something about it. We are incredibly grateful for that. This is what listening to the public looks like. This is actual leadership.”
Honoring Our Presidents and Celebrating Strong Leadership
On this Presidents’ Day weekend, the New York State Conservative Party proudly honors the legacy of the great men who have led our nation, from George Washington’s leadership to Abraham Lincoln’s courage and dedication to preserving the Union. The presidency is more than just an office, it is a solemn duty to uphold the Constitution, protect the freedoms of the American people, and ensure our country remains strong and prosperous for generations to come.
This year, we recognize not only the giants of our past but also the leadership of President Donald J. Trump. In just three short weeks since taking the oath of office on January 20, 2025, President Trump has already shown the strength and resolve necessary to put America back on the right track. His swift actions to secure our borders, reinvigorate our economy, his pro-life pardons, ending DEI, and restoring law and order prove that strong, decisive leadership is what this country needs now more than ever. Trump was not kidding when he said the Golden Age of America began with his 47th Presidency.
From Executive Orders protecting American workers by prioritizing fair trade policies, to cutting red tape that stifles small businesses and putting an end to our border crisis, President Trump has wasted no time in delivering on the promises he made to the American people. His administration has already taken bold steps to safeguard our energy independence thanks to Lee Zeldin’s strong leadership, defending the integrity of our elections, and putting power back into the hands of the people rather than unelected bureaucrats. My favorite example, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DOGE is fighting back against the outlandish spending of our government agencies, and clawing back our hard-earned tax dollars. With how corrupt and wasteful our government is, anything we save the taxpayers is a win in my book. I am excited to see the fruits of Trump’s labor, and prosperity for the American people over the next few years.
On this Presidents’ Day, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles that have made this country the greatest nation on earth: freedom, individual responsibility, limited government, and the rule of law. I recognize the importance of strong leadership in preserving our founding ideals, and I stand firmly behind a president who is fighting every day to make America Great Again. “Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams, will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way.” — Donald J. Trump
May God bless President Trump, our past leaders who guided us through history, and may God bless the United States of America!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
February 10, 2025
Hochul Fails to Delay Special Elections for Political Gain: Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“Governor Kathy Hochul’s cynical attempt to delay special elections for Congress and State Senate to gain political advantage in those races has failed (A4881). In New York’s 21st Congressional District, alone, more than 770,000 voters would have been disenfranchised by Mrs. Hochul’s unconstitutional power grab.
“This shameless attempt to circumvent the New York State Constitution likely would have taken place had it not been for the strong pushback of the Conservative and Republican parties and New York editorial writers.
“Voters are entitled to representation in Washington and Albany. What Governor Hochul tried to do was sneaky and wrong. The Conservative Party will continue to stand up for the rights of all voters — regardless of party affiliation — because, unlike so many Albany Democrats, we actually believe in democracy.”
CPPAC 2025 was an incredible success, energizing conservatives across New York and beyond as we head into another crucial election year. Our two-day event this past Sunday and Monday featured an impressive lineup of conservative speakers who delivered powerful speeches on the most pressing issues facing our Nation and State. From discussions on election integrity to policies that promote economic growth, public safety, micron chips, and shed light on our Northern Border immigration crisis, every speaker reinforced our shared commitment to putting America first. The enthusiasm in the room was undeniable, and it was clear that attendees left more motivated than ever to engage in the political process. I would like to thank our speakers, legislators, committeemen, chairmen, and our supporters for making our conference great. Without you all, there would not be a Conservative Party. For those who couldn’t attend, we will soon be releasing photos and videos from the event so everyone can experience it firsthand. You can go to our Facebook here to see some of the pictures for now. I hope to see you again next year!
Pam Bondi Confirmed as U.S. Attorney General
The United States Senate has officially confirmed Pam Bondi as the next U.S. Attorney General, a strong and principled leader who will fully support President Trump’s agenda. Bondi, the former Attorney General of Florida, built a reputation as a tough prosecutor and staunch advocate for the rule of law. During her Senate hearing, while facing gross attacks from Democrats, Pam made it very clear she will follow the rule of law and will not be afraid to prosecute. Throughout her career, she has taken on major cases involving consumer fraud, human trafficking, and corporate misconduct, always putting the interests of the American people first. She is already off to a strong start in her new role, immediately taking action against sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Her leadership at the Department of Justice will be critical in ensuring law and order, and we are confident that she will serve with integrity and common sense. Now, we still await the confirmation of RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel and Elise Stefanik. We anticipate the confirmation of all of President Trump’s Cabinet picks.
Democrats Election Manipulation
The biggest political controversy this week comes from Albany, where the Governor and Legislative Democrats were caught attempting to manipulate the political calendar to keep the 21st Congressional District unfilled and to gain a major political advantage in the Brooklyn State Senate seat.
The Governor using a rarely issued emergency message was planning to introduce legislation that the Democratic Majorities would pass allowing her to significantly delay the Congressional election, leaving 770,000 residents unrepresented. In addition, the second part of the scheme would change the special election for State Senate in Brooklyn to Mayoral primary day. Thus, immensely increasing the odds of a Democrat winning a seat that Zeldin and Trump won overwhelmingly.
The Party called a press conference in Albany attended by myself, Congressman Mike Lawler, Senate GOP Leader Robert Ortt and Assembly GOP Leader Will Barclay. Ortt and Barclay declared that they would use every tactic at their disposal to fight in the Legislature. I indicated that the Conservative Party would take legal action and Congressman Lawler called for a DOJ RICO investigation of the NYS government.
We won the first round. As of this writing, the bill and message which was expected to be introduced is on hold. Although I cannot be certain what the final outcome will be, it is important that this blatant effort to interfere in an established political timetable be called out at every opportunity. You can watch the full press conference with myself, Congressman Lawler, Leader Ortt and Leader Barclay here.
I know we have been talking about CPPAC for a while now, but the time has finally come! You can view the full schedule here:
Just to give you a glimpse of Sunday, the event begins at 11:30 AM with on-site registration/check-in, and at 12:15 PM, I will deliver the welcome address in Governor’s Hall. Following this, at 12:30 PM, Andrew Giuliani will present “The First 100 Days: A Personal Report of What to Expect from the President.” At 1:15 PM, pollster and strategic consultant John McLaughlin will discuss “How President Trump Made Gains in New York.”
At 2:00 PM, Maud Maron, a candidate for Manhattan District Attorney, will speak on “The Madness of Alvin Bragg’s Manhattan.” At 2:45 PM, Senator George Borrello and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh will lead “Surveying the Session: What Can New Yorkers Expect in 2025?” At 3:30 PM, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman will discuss “Winning the ‘Burbs: How Commonsense Conservatism Is Holding the Line on Long Island.”
At 4:15 PM, attendees can participate in breakout sessions. Options include “Campaign 101: What to Know About Hiring and Working with Political Consultants” with Thomas Dunham and Chapin D. Fay in Governor’s B, or “Leveraging Your Local Committee: How to Conduct Candidate Screening Interviews” with Gerard Kassar, Fran Vella-Marrone, and Chris Kendall in Governor’s Hall. At 5:00 PM, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin will give remarks, followed by “Meet the Members: Introducing the Conservative Class of ‘25” at 5:15 PM.
The evening continues at 6:00 PM with the “Rookie” Reception in the East Gallery, where guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and the opportunity to mingle with newly elected legislators, including State Senators Steve Chan and Rob Rolison, as well as Assembly Members Andrea Bailey, Paul Bologna, Patrick Chludzinski, Andrew Molitor, Daniel Norber, Joseph Sempolinski, Kalman Yeger, and Jamie Williams.
After-hour events begin at 8:00 PM, offering two options for attendees. “Catching Up with Your Fellow Conservative” will take place in the Lobby Lounge, while the “Cigar & Story Hour” will run until 11:00 PM at a location to be announced. Monday is just as packed with awesome speakers, Press Conferences, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Award Reception, and much more.
Zeldin Confirmed, Stefanik Advances to Floor Vote
Congratulations to former Congressman Lee Zeldin from Long Island on his confirmation as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. With a decisive Senate vote of 56-42, Zeldin has officially taken on this critical role. His years of experience representing New York, his strong stance on policy, and his commitment to protecting both the environment and American industry make him an excellent choice for the position. President Trump made a well-calculated nomination, ensuring that the EPA will be led by someone who understands the balance between environmental stewardship and economic growth. We have no doubt that Zeldin will bring his expertise and integrity to the agency, delivering results for the American people. You can read our press release here.
Meanwhile, another of New York’s own, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, has moved one step closer to confirmation for her new role. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has voted to advance her nomination to the Senate floor, which could very well be happening as you read this. Stefanik has been a powerhouse in Congress, known for her strong leadership, sharp policy acumen, and unwavering commitment to American interests both at home and abroad. Her experience and dedication make her the perfect candidate to be our next Ambassador to the UN. As the full Senate prepares to vote, we have every confidence that her confirmation will be swift and decisive. Elise has consistently proven herself as a champion for conservative values and a fierce advocate for her constituents, and there is no doubt that she will continue to excel in this new role.
Trump Ice Raids
We are only 11 days into the Trump Administration and we are already seeing extraordinary results. ICE has been active all over the country to find, arrest, and deport illegal alien criminals. What is best is, ICE is going directly into the belly of the beast, otherwise known as sanctuary cities, where illegal crime has been allowed to run rampant. Just the other day, ICE raided parts of NYC gathering hundreds of serious offenders such as pedophiles, murderers, violent offenders, gang members, etc. These criminals being arrested are the worst of the worst and should have never been allowed to walk our streets in the first place. Trump continues to stand on his “Promises made, promises kept” agenda. Tom Homan being at the side of the President is just an added plus for our America First Movement. He is doing a fantastic job so far, and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon.
The Party is holding its 57th Annual Conservative Party Political Action Conference (CPPAC) February 2nd and 3rd, 2025 at the Hilton Hotel in Albany. We are only a few days away, and there’s still time to get your tickets!
The State Conservative Party is pleased to welcome Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin as a presenter at this year’s Conservative Party Political Action Conference.
County Executive Steve McLaughlin was first called to public service and was a candidate for State Assembly in 2008. Running against an incumbent, he won election to the seat in 2010. He was re-elected to the Assembly in 2012, 2014 and 2016. In 2017, Mr. Steve McLaughlin was elected as Rensselaer County Executive, on a pledge to revitalize and reenergize county government, continue fiscally responsible policies and advocate for the county and upstate residents. He was re-elected in 2021 with a strong plurality. Now, he has announced a run for his third consecutive term.
The conference is this Sunday and Monday! Register today at CPNYS.org/CPPAC.
We’re also featuring speakers rising on the national and state scene, such as Congressman Mike Lawler, news personality Brianna Lyman, President Trump’s pollster John McLaughlin, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, Andrew Giuliani, Maud Maron, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, Jessica Rodgers, Senator George Borrello, and a well-known consultant panel featuring Tom Dunham and Chapin Fay. More speakers will be announced on a rolling basis.
To book your room, please call the Albany Hilton at 1-866-691-1183 and provide the Conservative Party’s “3CPPAC” registration code. Alternatively, attendees can register for lodging online here: Make A Hotel Reservation
You can buy your ticket today, browse our new CPPAC website, and check out the schedule here: We hope to see you in Albany!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
January 30, 2025
Statement on Zeldin Confirmation as EPA Administrator by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“The New York State Conservative Party salutes the Senate for wisely confirming former Congressman Lee Zeldin as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a cabinet-level position in the new Trump Administration. The EPA vastly overreached during the Biden Administration, creating a counterproductive regulatory environment that suppressed billions of dollars in economic growth. Congressman Zeldin has the smarts and temperament to find the proper balance between environmental conservation and hysteria. It’s what the American people want.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
January 28, 2025
Statement on Confirmation of Sean Duffy as Trump Transportation Secretary by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“We hope [Duffy’s] first act as Transportation Secretary will be the repeal of the unfair and unnecessary Congestion Pricing Tax. Nothing would make New Yorkers happier.”
“The New York State Conservative Party congratulates former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy on being confirmed as President Trump’s new Transportation Secretary. President Trump made an inspired choice in Mr. Duffy. Secretary Duffy knows his way around Washington well, but more importantly for New Yorkers, he knows his way around the Big Apple as a former Fox News contributor. We hope that his first act as Transportation Secretary will be the repeal of the unfair and unnecessary Congestion Pricing Tax. Nothing would make New Yorkers happier.”
Myself and many Party leaders had the opportunity to head down to Washington, DC to witness the monumental swearing of our 47th President, Donald J. Trump. I arrived Saturday afternoon and had the pleasure of catching up with friends and like-minded Conservatives at a small dinner in the evening. The next day, I attended Congressman Nick Langworthy’s evening celebration. It was great to see our New York Congressman, our friends at the NYGOP, and many other legislators. Shortly following, the Conservative Party held our own dinner, which was a massive success. We were thrilled to gather at the Palm in Washington, DC with Party leaders and friends to celebrate the occasion. Thank you to Congressman Mike Lawler, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, Congressman Nick LaLota, and soon-to-be United States Ambassador Elise Stefanik for joining us! You can check out the pictures here:
The Inauguration was nothing short of magnificent. Although, it was unfortunate to see it moved inside, thankfully the Presidential Inauguration Committee quickly put together a live viewing at the Capital One Center for supporters that traveled from all over the Country. Our Director of Operations, Andrew Davis, was on the committee and said the Capital One Center was a terrific experience in itself. I was fortunate enough to watch the Inauguration in the Emancipation Hall inside the Capitol Building, where President Trump came to greet us after being sworn in. The administration got off to a quick start, with a number of executive orders that are changing the face of government as you read this. As President Trump stated “The Golden Age of America Begins Now” and we are at the forefront.
CPPAC 2025
There is still time to book your room and buy tickets for this years CPPAC being held on February 2nd and 3rd, at the Albany Hilton! We are featuring speakers rising on the national and state scene, such as Congressman Mike Lawler, news personality Brianna Lyman, President Trump’s pollster John McLaughlin, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, Jessica Rodgers, Andrew Giuliani, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, Senator George Borrello, and a well-known consultant panel featuring Tom Dunham and Chapin Fay. More speakers will be announced on a rolling basis.
To book your room, please call the Albany Hilton at 1-866-691-1183 and provide the Conservative Party’s “3CPPAC” registration code. Alternatively, attendees can register for lodging online here: Make A Hotel Reservation
You can buy your ticket today, browse our new CPPAC website, and check out the schedule here: We hope to see you in Albany!
Ms. Hochul’s Proposed $252 Billion Budget
With the State drowning in debt, taxes, and nuisance fees, and with many families and small businesses hanging onto solvency by their fingernails, Mrs. Hochul is proposing a massive $10 billion increase in an already bloated State budget. This governor actually seems to believe — through magical thinking — that more government spending is the secret to ‘affordability’ in New York.
Well, Governor Hochul, New Yorkers can’t afford any more of your affordability plans. The Governor’s proposed $252 billion budget is patently absurd. It’s well more than twice the size of Florida’s budget — a state with two million more people — and, under the same budget plan, New York will continue having the highest combined income taxes in America. Here’s our advice to New Yorkers: Invest in moving trucks in 2025. Until we break up one-party rule in Albany, the exodus will continue.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
January 21, 2025
Hochul Spending Out of Control; Will Drive More New Yorkers Out of State: New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
‘New Yorkers Can’t Afford Any More of Gov. Hochul’s Affordability Plans.’
“No matter how loudly New Yorkers cry ‘uncle’, Gov. Kathy Hochul refuses to hear them. With the State drowning in debt, taxes, and nuisance fees, and with many families and small businesses hanging onto solvency by their fingernails, Mrs. Hochul is proposing a massive $10 billion increase in an already bloated State budget. This governor actually seems to believe — through magical thinking — that more government spending is the secret to ‘affordability’ in New York.
“Well, Governor Hochul, New Yorkers can’t afford any more of your affordability plans. The Governor’s proposed $252 billion budget is patently absurd. It’s well more than twice the size of Florida’s budget — a state with two million more people — and, under the same budget plan, New York will continue having the highest combined income taxes in America. Here’s our advice to New Yorkers: Invest in moving trucks in 2025. Until we break up one-party rule in Albany, the exodus will continue.”
