REAPPORTIONMENT

On Monday, the State Legislature voted to reject the Congressional maps from the Independent Redistricting Commission that passed by a 9 to 1 vote the previous week. See our press release here. On Wednesday, the Legislature voted to approve and the Governor signed legislation establishing new Congressional lines that, with few exceptions, were identical to what was rejected on Monday. Which in turn, was very similar to what existed in 2022. The 2022 lines were created by a court-ordered special master after the lines produced by the Legislature in 2022 were thrown out after being declared by a court to be a partisan gerrymander.

My takeaway is that millions of taxpayer dollars were wasted by Democratic legislative leaders who had trouble coming to grips with Congressional maps that were fair and equitable. Stops and starts produced by their legislative henchmen eventually fell victim to the threat of new lawsuits and delays that could ultimately hurt Democratic efforts.

The final maps, although violating the national 2% (they went in some cases as high as 6%) standard in legislative adjustments when reviewing Independent Commission-produced maps essentially were the same as the maps that were used in 2022.  There are many solid GOP/Conservative districts as well as several fair fight districts currently held by members of both parties.

The Democratic leadership was searching for ways to explain the outcome, in as much as they looked petty and small-minded as they worked against community interests until it became apparent that they were going to find themselves in court once again.

As an aside, when all else fails, Albany Democrats look to fix the courts by restricting reapportionment and political litigation to only heavily dominated Democratic courts in the state. That is exactly what the Democrats in the Legislature are working to accomplish with the Democratic Governor a willing ally.  Boss Tweed could learn a lesson or two from the current crop of Democratic Party leadership.

PRESIDENT TRUMP RECEIVES PRESUMPTIVE NOMINEE STATUS

The New York State Conservative Party’s Executive Committee declared Donald Trump the presumptive nominee of the Party after 20 counties holding 56% of the Party’s weighted vote officially came out in support of the former President. The rest of the counties are expected to follow with the State Convention set by state law to be held in August.

The first county committee to endorse Trump in late 2023 was Richmond County. Last week, Erie County put Mr. Trump over 50% and with the recent endorsement of Kings County, the number reached 56%. The full list of the counties, in no order, that have to date endorsed Trump are: Broome, Dutchess, Greene, Onondaga, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, Wayne, Bronx, Richmond, St Lawrence, Suffolk, Queens, Oswego, Erie, Westchester, Kings, Schenectady.

See our full press release here:

A BIG WIN ON NON-CITIZEN VOTING

I am happy to report that the 2^nd Department of the State Supreme Court Appellate Term upheld a lower court decision, of which I was a citizen plaintiff, that declared non-citizen voting in NYC municipal elections unconstitutional.

Although not unanimous, the decision could hardly be clearer. The New York City law passed by the Democrats in the City Council and signed by Mayor Adams was as the lower court correctly ruled unconstitutional and further violated additional provisions of New York State law addressing home rule issues.

I was one of several citizen plaintiffs. Many local elected officials whom the Party supports including Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, Councilman Joe Borelli, State Senator Andrew Lanza & Assemblyman Michael Tannousis among others joined. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella played a key role in organizing the original case and appeal.

A special shout out to the Republican National Committee that came in heavy to assist with the successful appeal.

See our attached press release here:

NEW YORK’S UNPOPULAR GOVERNOR

The reality is that Governor Hochul has never been popular. She won the closest statewide election since 2002, has had many of her key programs and legislative items rejected, managed to become a national conversation on her mishandling of border security and public safety, and has had public polling numbers that swing from barely popular to quite unpopular.

Unfortunately, too many New Yorkers vote with their feet when confronted with present-day New York created by her and the Democratically controlled legislature.

Her fallback on everything from her overreaching environmental policies to unchecked shoplifting and abuse of the Second Amendment is to talk about her support for legal abortion until term.

New Yorkers consistently want her gone. The Conservative Party took the lead on running Lee Zeldin in 2022. This year is not a Gubernatorial election year; however, it is an election year for the entire state legislature.  The Party is in the process of nominating dozens of excellent candidates.  Get involved in supporting their campaigns. If you would like to make contact, we should be able to assist.  Call us at 718- 921- 2158.

See the attached press release on the matter here:

PATRIOTS PODIUM FEATURING FRANK VERNUCCIO

On the nineteenth episode of Patriots Podium, I was pleased to have a known Conservative radio host of the Vernuccio-Novak Report, Frank Vernuccio. A little background on the Vernuccio-Novak report, it is a very popular radio show currently running in 12 cities across New York and televised as the American Political Zone. Franks Corporation has been around for 12 years and is a great resource for conservative thinkers. In addition, he is also a Bronx native and has been active with the Conservative Party for decades. After the show, if you want to find out more about the Vernuccio-Novak report you can go to their website at usagovpolicy.com.

On this episode of Patriots Podium, we discuss the real threats to our Democracy, analyze foreign policy, Biden’s failed leadership, border security, and much more. This is a very informative podcast with expert opinions, tune in to listen to our thoughts on Russia, China, and The Ukraine. You can view the podcast using any of the links below:

YouTube                              BuzzSprout                                        Apple Music                                      Spotify

CPPAC VIDEO

At this year’s CPPAC, you might have seen our Director of Operations, Andrew Davis, going around and interviewing attendees on their thoughts on this year’s event. With the gracious help of Katie Mahon, we were able to bring the project to fruition. It’s a short, less than five-minute clip, loaded with interviews and pictures from CPPAC. I hope you enjoy it, and please share it around! We hope to see you next year!

You can view the production on YouTube here:

Presidents Day Tribute

On this Presidents Day weekend, the New York State Conservative Party proudly honors the legacy of our nation’s remarkable leaders who have embodied the principles of conservatism and shaped the course of American history. From the visionary leadership of George Washington to the resolute determination of Abraham Lincoln, and the unwavering optimism of Ronald Reagan, each president has left a positive mark on our nation’s journey.

As conservatives, we draw inspiration from the historic figures who have championed the values of limited government, individual liberty, and fiscal responsibility. President Ronald Reagan, in particular, stands as a towering figure in the conservative movement. His commitment to free-market principles, tax cuts, and a strong national defense revitalized our economy and restored America’s confidence on the world stage. Something we are severely lacking today in our current President.

Just four days ago, we celebrated the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, whose leadership during one of our nation’s darkest periods exemplified the timeless principles of conservatism. Lincoln’s unwavering resolve to preserve the Union and abolish slavery serves as a testament to the enduring values of freedom that define our nation.

As we reflect on the legacies of these conservative stalwarts, and others, let us rededicate ourselves to upholding the principles they fought so tirelessly to defend. Let us unite in the spirit of optimism and determination that guided President Reagan and the resolve that defined President Lincoln. Together, let us work towards a future guided by the ideals our founding fathers laid in the Constitution.

In the words of President Reagan, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Let’s honor the sacrifices of our past presidents by preserving and advancing the conservative values that have made America the greatest nation on earth.

Have a great Presidents Day weekend!

CPPAC

I hope all that came to this year’s CPPAC had a great time! Not everything is out quite yet, but we do have photos from our award dinner that can be viewed here. Congratulations to the twelve Legislators who received awards! If you couldn’t make it this year, mark your calendars for the beginning of February next year.

I was grateful to see so many conservatives gathered in one place for a truly meaningful and educational two days in Albany. With so many great speakers and attendees, I was honored to give this year’s opening remarks. It is my pleasure to serve as the Conservative Party’s State Chairman and I look forward to more years of victory and growth. You can view my opening address here:

In the coming days, be on the lookout for more videos, photos, and more on our social media sites and YouTube page.

Successful CPPAC

The 56th annual Conservative Party’s Political Action Conference (CPPAC) event was an exceptional two-day gathering that brought together esteemed speakers and passionate attendees to discuss pressing issues facing New York State and the nation as a whole.

I just wanted to take a moment and thank everybody who showed their support for our event. It was great meeting with like minded conservatives, legislators, committee members and candidates from across the State in the heart of Albany. 

Joe Pinion, a former U.S. Senate Candidate and Newsmax Host, captivated the audience with his address on “Renewing the American Dream for a New Generation,” inspiring hope and optimism for the future. Throughout the day, attendees were treated to a diverse array of topics, including understanding the mindset of today’s independent voter, defeating the New York State so called “Equal Rights Amendment,” understanding the scope of the migrant crisis and surveying the legislative landscape for 2024. In addition, attendees had an opportunity to attend informative breakout sessions to help them activate absentee voters, and how to operate a Committee to its fullest. 

On her birthday, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Co-Chair of the Election Integrity Caucus, wrapped up Sunday night with a remarkable speech on securing the vote. 

Pictures are starting to trickle out on our social media, but be on the lookout for more pictures, live recordings, and much more coming out soon! We will send a note out when everything is finalized for your viewing. You can view what has been released thus far here:

Reapportionment Press Conference

The second day of the conference was equally compelling, starting with a breakfast buffet followed by a thought-provoking presentation by NYC Councilman Kalman Yeger on “The Alarming Rise of Antisemitism in Israel’s Greatest Ally.” From discussions on property rights to America’s ties with Taiwan, the event delved into crucial issues shaping the political landscape. 

Notable speakers such as John Fund, Ryan Girdusky, and Brianna Lyman offered valuable insights into the changing media landscape and its implications for society. The event concluded with a press conference featuring myself, Lee Zeldin, State Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt, and Bobbie Anne Cox highlighting the importance of reapportionment of congressional districts. You can view the press conference here. Our point is simple, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. The lines should stay exactly the same. Interesting to note, the Democrats argument is not that the congressional lines are “unfair, or gerrymandered” but rather the process behind it was faulty. I’m sure if the Democrats picked up more seats in 2022, we would not be dealing with this today. It is a partisan game that will ultimately cost the average taxpayer to cover the bill. 

Shortly after the press conference, we gathered for lunch to listen to our keynote speaker, David Keene. Mr. Keene spoke tremendously and received a standing ovation from all attendees. He was very personable, and was willing to speak with anyone. The speech was recorded, and when it’s available, I highly recommend you take a look. 

The Annual Award Dinner provided a fitting finale, celebrating the dedication and contributions of individuals committed to conservative values with keynote speaker Lee Zeldin. Overall, the CPPAC 2024 event was a resounding success, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and a renewed sense of purpose among conservative leaders and activists.

Special Congratulations to our twelve recipients of our highest legislative ratings: Senator Mario Mattera, Senator Steven Rhoads, Assemblyman Joe Angelino, Assemblyman Ari Brown, Assemblyman David DiPietro, Assemblyman John Lemondes, Assemblyman Brian Manktelow, Assemblyman John Mikulin, Assemblyman Philip Palmesano, Assemblyman Doug Smith, Assemblyman Robert Smullen, and Assemblyman Chris Tague.

25th Amendment Time

Yesterday, President Biden decided to finally address the nation during a press conference regarding his mental state. Lets just say, this went as well as you would expect. Not only was it disgraceful, but it is a continued embarrassment to our country. To anyone, right or left leaning, it is abundantly clear that President Biden is unfit to serve in his current capacity; let alone four more years and eleven more months.

In addition, Special Counsel Robert Hur released a report on his findings regarding Biden’s handling of classified documents. To no one’s surprise, he will not be charged. However, essentially, the report found Biden to be so severely mentally compromised, that there was no way a jury would convict an elderly man with memory issues. Diving further into the report, it was “observed that the 81-year-old commander-in-chief was greatly diminished mentally, forgetting the dates of key events of his life during an interview with investigators.” It’s sad to see, but the report even detailed President Biden not knowing when his son passed away. The question now is, who are the Democrats going to run in 2024? At this rate, it certainly won’t be Biden.

OUR POLITICAL ACTION CONFERENCE BEGINS SUNDAY

Conservative activists from all corners of the state will be gathering in Albany this weekend to enjoy speakers and panels on a wide range of topics. You can view the tentative schedule here. In addition to the speakers, there will be a breakfast, two receptions, a lunch with David Keene as the keynote speaker, and an awards dinner. At the dinner, we re-release our legislative agenda for 2024 and present top-rated legislators with an award for their strong conservative voting record.

Myself, Lee Zeldin, Senator Rob Ortt, and Bobbie Ann Cox will be conducting a noon press conference on Monday regarding Congressional reapportionment. We will provide the most up-to-date information on the madness encompassing Democrats’ attempt to gerrymander Congressional lines.

There will be many Legislators and candidates at the events, including those seeking to run for United States Senate, Congress, State Assembly, State Senate, etc.

It is not too late to register, you can buy a ticket now here. The entire package is just $200. Attendance at various parts of the conference is equally inexpensive. We even have a student rate running at only $25!

It will be a great event and I hope to see you over the weekend!

GROUP OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ASSAULT NYPD OFFICERS

It is likely you saw the video, but if you haven’t you can view it here. As much as it shows the horror of a group of illegal aliens attacking two police officers simply asking the loitering group to move on, sadly there is more to the story. The Manhattan DA, Alvin Bragg, did not ask for bail despite the flawed cashless bail law giving him the authority to do such when a violent crime is committed. Additionally, the City and State’s refusal to work with ICE made it impossible for the federal agency to begin the deportation process.

As you would expect, the NYPD and many others have been extremely critical of what happened almost a week ago at Times Square and subsequently in the Manhattan DA’s office.

Beyond our position that these illegal aliens should not be here in the first place; the Conservative Party strongly supports their deportation now.

I did an interview on ABC Radio with Dominic Carter a few days ago where we went into detail and reviewed the tragic attack. You can listen to it here.

BIDEN TRUMPED

Every poll shows Joe Biden is sinking. He is unfavorably viewed by a significant number of Americans across the board. When viewed by issue area, fewer and fewer Americans believe he is capable of doing the job as President. He loses, or is within the margin of error of losing in key battleground states.

President Trump exceeded expectations in New Hampshire with one exception, all opposition has withdrawn. GOP polling for the former President, in state, indicates very strong support among the base.

Conservative Party County organizations continue to endorse him with the growing number at twelve. Voters across the State and Country are eager to vote Joe Biden out of office this November!