“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
November 16, 2023
Statement on Rep. George Santos by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
Brooklyn-NY…“The House Ethics report says what we already knew: Mr. Santos must either resign or be expelled from the House of Representatives. The Conservative Party has been crystal clear about Rep. George Santos’s criminal behavior since it was first revealed. We’ve urged Mr. Santos to do the right thing for his district, country, and political party by resigning, but Mr. Santos wanted to do it his own way. Now his time is up.
“We urge his immediate resignation, and, absent that, his removal by a vote of his House colleagues. We will then urge Gov. Hochul to call a special election in NY3 as quickly as possible. No one is above the law.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
November 16, 2023
Kassar: Crimes Have Consequences; Hochul’s Ill-Conceived “Clean Slate” Act Can’t Erase Criminal Behavior; Deprives Business Owners of Critically Important Information
Brooklyn-NY…“It’s clear who Governor Kathy Hochul is listening to and it’s not the voting public. New Yorkers are outraged at the ongoing crime wave and have made their voices heard about ill-conceived criminal leniency policies like no-cash-bail. But Mrs. Hochul and her woke advisors were only warming up.
“The Democrats’ new ‘Clean Slate’ Act will erase the criminal records of thousands of New Yorkers, depriving potential employers of essential information when making decisions. Many of these businesses are willing to give people with criminal records a second chance, but to restrict their information is dangerous and wrong.
“Mrs. Hochul and her woke colleagues are systematically working to create a fairy-tale, consequence-free state, where criminals avoid jail time and crimes are forgotten by the state. But what about the consequences to the victims? And what about the unknowing employer? It’s hard to imagine a Governor worse on public safety. Everyday New Yorkers pay the price.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
November 15, 2023
Hochul Social Media ‘Hate Speech’ Surveillance Creates Chilling Precedent: New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
Brooklyn-NY…“Governor Hochul’s scheme to monitor the social media transactions of New Yorkers is chilling to the core. Nobody wants to see the type of internet vitriol that occurs between some citizens, but government’s giant hand can be the most frightening one of all. Law enforcement authorities can and should monitor legitimate terrorism suspects online, but spying on everyday citizens is unconstitutional and wrong.
“We speak about the Chinese Communist Party’s ‘social credit scoring’ system with tremendous derision, but here in New York we risk walking down the same path. Where one begins scoring citizen speech, one begins scoring citizens. Leave law-abiding New Yorkers alone.”
Overall, it was a mixed day that saw some gigantic wins for the Conservative Party; especially in Suffolk and Nassau Counties and some notable setbacks. The two counties, with 3 million residents, had been moving to the right for the past few years and is now highlighted with a Republican/Conservative Suffolk County Executive–Elect and a super majority in the Legislature. Together with numerous victories in Nassau County, Long Island’s deep red became a national news story. Nassau held the North Hempstead Supervisor position comfortably; a big town which until two years ago, had consistently elected Democrats for almost thirty years.
There were also many candidates who won by the difference of the Conservative Party line, including the newly elected Mayor of Troy, the first woman and first Republican/Conservative in many years, as well as the Sheriff of Rensselaer County.
In NYC, the Bronx Conservative Party was the margin of victory in a hotly contested City Council race. A first in the Bronx in literally decades.
Of course, it was not all good news. Although many areas saw the status quo, we did lose several key County Legislative seats costing us local control, town Supervisor positions, and other local offices. Unfortunately, there was a District Attorney Office that turned blue and a County Clerk spot too close to call that we currently hold.
The Party worked hard, and our total votes cast on our line Tuesday was high. For me, that is more than a consolation, but a reflection of our strength and momentum into 2024.
The Party goes into the key 2024 elections being able to look back on 2023 as a year that reinforced the key role our Party plays in New York State politics.
You can read our full Election Day statement here:
CONGRESSIONAL LINES REVISITED
The Court of Appeals next Wednesday will hold a hearing to determine if the Congressional Reapportionment should be sent back to the NYS Independent Redistricting Commission and then to the NYS Legislature.
When a special master under instructions from the State Supreme Court drew the lines last year because of the Commission and Legislature doing an unconstitutional gerrymander it was expected that they would be for the remainder of the decade. Statements at the time from multiple Judges, legislators, and experts said as much. The State Constitution speaks of reapportionments being final. A second review by the State Supreme Court said the same.
Yet, here we are. Democrats controlling the appeals courts in the State saw an opportunity. Now we will find out just how political the Court of Appeals has become. A majority Democratic Court ruled in favor of the lines that are now in effect.
So, what did Hochul and the Democratic leadership of the Legislature do? They changed the makeup of the Court of Appeals.
New Yorkers have long suspected corruption in the NYS Judiciary when political decisions are involved. This Court of Appeals can uphold what they have already done, or feed into the public’s belief that when it comes to politics, New York’s Democratically controlled Courts are fixed.
Patriots Podium Featuring Marilyn Musgrave
I had the pleasure of speaking with Marilyn Musgrave, former Colorado Congresswoman and Vice Chairwoman of Susan B. Anthony’s List. Marilyn has a proven Conservative track record, and is a major asset to the Pro-Life movement. Listen as we discuss many topics such as political culture in D.C., the Biden administration’s Anti-Life agenda, Roe V Wade, and much more! Visit any of the following links to listen:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
November 8, 2023
2023 Election Statement by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
Brooklyn-NY…“Good candidates running on solid conservative positions won key victories Tuesday, including on Long Island where Suffolk County Executive-elect Ed Romaine recaptured an office that’s been held by Democrats for years. Republicans and Conservatives have done so well on Long Island in recent elections that hardly an elected Democrat remains on the island.
“The Conservative Party line also provided the margin of victory in a stunning Bronx City Council win by first-time candidate Kristy Marmorato. Councilwoman-elect Marmorato will be the first Republican office holder from the Bronx in 19 years. Conservative-Party-endorsed Sue Serino will be the next Dutchess County Executive; Carmella Mantello will be the first female mayor of Troy; Ryan McMahon won a huge re-election victory in Onondaga, and Lindsay Bratek-Lorigo was victorious in her race for Erie County legislator. The Conservative Party had many other county and local wins, and we are enormously grateful for the hard work of our candidates and leaders.
“The Conservative Party is buoyed by Tuesday’s results. There is much to be proud of, and even more to be done heading into the all-important 2024 elections.”
It might seem obvious that we should all vote, but several studies have shown that 20% of New Yorkers who say they are going to vote – do not. With nine days of in-person early voting, absentee voting, and of course, election-day voting, there really should be no excuse.
Yet I know it to be true from my petitioning. The walking lists many in the Conservative Party use show the last year someone voted. It is amazing the number of enrolled Conservative Party members who failed to vote in the Presidential and/or Gubernatorial elections.
You can still vote early this Saturday or Sunday. Bank your vote. My wife Janet and I voted early in person on Thursday.
Regardless, make a plan for you and your family to vote. The Conservative Party can run radio spots, digital ads, send text messages and robocalls in an effort to cause New Yorkers to see the value in supporting our candidates and our Party. However, in the end, all the Party’s efforts come down to everyone receiving this email voting and hopefully voting Conservative.
You can read our full “Pre-Election Day” press release here:
CONSERVATIVE PARTY WELCOMES SPEAKER JOHNSON
This comes under the heading that good things happen to those who are patient. Newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, based on his record and public statements, is likely the most conservative Speaker of the House of Representatives in modern times.
Speaker Johnson for the conservative movement is the whole package. He has been clear that he places equal importance on a conservative social agenda, with the many other pressing matters he needs to consider. To that point, the sanctity of life and the protection of parental rights are certain to be a high priority.
He will only consider stand-alone spending bills. This is long overdue and should please the many of us who distrust omnibus legislation.
His record on the Second Amendment is perfect. And to that point, he is a constitutional lawyer in a Congress that needs to pay more attention to the Constitution.
Maybe best of all, Americans can sleep more soundly knowing they have a Speaker with a moral compass.
The margin in the House for the GOP majority is way too close. Keeping Mike Johnson Speaker is another good reason for us to double our efforts in electing Conservative – Republicans to Congress next year.
SAVE THE DATE
Our annual Conservative Party Political Action Conference returns to downtown Albany, at the Albany Hilton Hotel, on Sunday, February 4th, and Monday, February 5th (40 Lodge St, Albany, NY 12207). Much more information will be coming soon.
FALL RECEPTION JOURNAL
We would like to thank all of our Sponsors and those who purchased Journal Ads for our Fall Reception held October 25, 2023. We also thank all those who came out that night and supported the event. To view the Journal click here.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
November 2, 2023
Pre-Election Day Statement by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
Brooklyn-NY…“Heading into next week’s elections, New Yorkers should fully understand which party is responsible for the lionshare of New York’s troubles, and they should act on that information at their polling places. One can easily assemble a list:
“The Unending Migrant Crisis — the clear fault of President Joe Biden, Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and progressive Democrats on the New York City Council who guaranteed free housing for all;
The Crime Epidemic — Albany and New York City Democrats who ended successful Broken Windows policing and passed no-cash-bail;
Runaway Inflation — Biden Administration spending and borrowing have driven interest rates through the roof;
Property Tax Hell — New Yorkers continue to pay among the highest property taxes in America because of one-party Democrat rule in Albany;
New York Exodus — The Empire State loses more families to other states than anywhere else in America, thanks to Democrat tax-and-spend policies that have made New York unaffordable for millions;
Housing Shortage — Democrat housing policies inhibit new construction and housing revitalization throughout New York State, and
Youth Marijuana Abuse — Albany Democrats foolishly legalized marijuana before proper regulations could be put in place, leading to ubiquitous illegal pot shops across the state.
“The list could go on, but the conclusion is clear: On issue after issue, New York Democrats are culpable. Simple solution: Next Tuesday, vote “Conservative.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
October 27, 2023
NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY RELEASES “STRONG MEDICINE” 60-Second Radio Ad Offers New York Voters Conservative Solutions to Pressing State and Local Challenges
Brooklyn-NY…”The New York State Conservative Party today announced that it has released a 60-second radio advertisement called “Strong Medicine” that encourages voters across the State of New York to vote on the Conservative Line — Row “C” — in the upcoming state and local elections. The ad is now airing in select markets across New York State and will run through Election Day, Tuesday, November 7th.
“Whether it’s runaway crime, the totally avoidable immigration crisis, or constantly rising rents and grocery prices, millions of New Yorkers have had it with the progressive status quo in this state,” said New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar. “We are offering voters what we’ve always offered them — old-fashioned common sense — and we’re highly optimistic that a lot of voters will take us up on that in the coming days. New York families are fleeing the state in record numbers, and there’s a reason for that: Progressive liberalism has brought this state to its knees; it’s time for a conservative resurgence in New York.”
The script for “Strong Medicine” is below.
“Strong Medicine”
:60 radio
V1: [Male; Nervous, exasperated] Oh hi, Doctor, finally . . . V2: [Male; Authoritative] What brings you in today?
V1: It’s anxiety, Doc. I can’t even watch the news. We’re treating illegal immigrants like honored guests. Criminals run wild. The economy’s just nauseating. And the corrupt politicians? They couldn’t care less.
V2: I see. Tell me: Have you tried voting on the Conservative Party line? V1: The Conservative Party?
V2: Correct. I find that when people get sick of talk and excuses, they do much better voting Conservative.
V1: Huh, how’s it work?
V2: The Conservative Party ONLY backs candidates who are tough on illegal immigration . . . and who defend the law-abiding, not the criminals. So your vote actually accomplishes something on the Conservative Party line.
V1: Wow. Any side effects?
V2: Well, if you’re ever around AOC or other Socialists, don’t tell them you vote Conservative. It could cause seizures.
V3: [Male; Upbeat] This election, look for the Conservative Party line, Row C on your ballot.
Vote Conservative. It’s the cure for what ails New York.
Paid for by the State Conservative Campaign Committee.
CONSERVATIVE PARTY GOES UP WITH “STRONG MEDICINE” SPOT
The Conservative Party has begun airing radio spots around New York State to encourage turnout and votes on the Conservative Party line. I thought you would enjoy an opportunity to listen to it. You can also listen to it on the website in the wrap-up.
Early in person voting starts this Saturday and runs through November 5th. My wife and I, as we have done the past few years, will be voting early for the Conservative Party candidates. I urge you to do the same. If you cannot, it is important that you come out on Tuesday, November 7th. The Conservative Party is literally running more than a thousand candidates around the state. There are a number of major competitive races that our candidates should be able to win if our people take the time to vote. There should be no one on this email chain that fails to come out. It is important!
BIDEN OUT OF IT
President Biden is out of it and the nation knows. His polling numbers are tanking, but no one needs to see a poll to understand he is physically and mentally incapable of doing the job. The dozens of beach trips and countless days away from the White House never decreased even as the world is shattering around us. His disjointed public statements and startlingly unclear judgements on secure borders, the economy and our role in the world can be outright scary.
Some people will say that Biden running for re-election assures us a win. That may be true, but for the sake of the country he needs to retire next year. I would say now, but then Harris would become President which would be just as bad.
CONSERVATIVE PARTY FALL RECEPTION A GREAT SUCCESS
The New York State Conservative Party’s Fall Reception proved to be a resounding success, marked by a gathering of a large and enthusiastic crowd. We extend our congratulations to John McLaughlin, who was honored with the prestigious James Buckley award, a testament to his outstanding contributions. Not only was he recognized by us, but he also received a personal note from President Donald J. Trump: “John, you were with me from the very beginning of my first presidential campaign and I can’t thank you enough for your loyalty. Your sage advice and counsel has been an integral part of the many successes of our American First Agenda. I know with your help, and that of those great Freedom Fighters of the New York State Conservative Party, the best is yet to come for our movement, and our great Nation.”
A special thanks to our Keynote speaker, Emma-Jo Morris, who gave us an insightful inside scoop into the compelling “laptop from hell” story. We also presented John DeLessio an award for dedicating over 60 years to the conservative movement; he deserves our utmost gratitude, and we are thankful John is staying involved. The event wouldn’t have been as smooth without the exceptional work of our master of ceremonies, Jim Kerr, who always does a wonderful job. We also express our gratitude to those working diligently behind the scenes, including Eileen, my assistant, and Andrew Davis, our Director of Operations. This successful reception sets the stage for the final two weeks of the campaign season.
Patriots Podium Featuring Kalman Yeger
On the thirteenth episode of Patriots Podium, I had the opportunity to speak with Kalman Yeger, a New York City Councilman, representing the 44th district. Kalman Yeger holds endorsements from several political parties, including us. This is a very insightful podcast probing several issues facing New York City, and everything you need to know about Israel, as they continue to rid Hamas. Yeger, who is Jewish, has strong opinions and thoughtful analysis on the tragedy that is occurring in Israel. This podcast will be more insightful than watching a news segment, I hope you give it a listen.
The NYS Conservative Party is recommending a No vote on the two statewide ballot issues on the November 7, 2023 ballot. The Conservative Party has always considered the fiscal impact of ballot questions, in addition to impending serious need, and has concluded the fiscal impact of these two ballot questions exceed the long-term benefit and will place additional financial burdens on New York taxpayers.
Proposal Number One, An Amendment:
The proposed amendment to Article 8 section 4 of the Constitution removed the special constitutional debt limitation now placed on small city school districts, so they will be treated the same as all other school districts. Shall the proposed amendment be approved?
Currently the small school districts are limited to 5% of the taxable real estate in the district (there are exceptions to certain expenses); this proposal could double the limit to 10%. The Conservative Party recommends a NO vote.
Proposal Number Two, An Amendment:
The Constitution limits the debt counties, cities, towns and villages can incur. This debt limit does not include debt for sewage treatment and disposal construction projects. The sewer debt exception expires on January 1, 2024. This amendment extends the sewer debt exception for ten more years until January 1, 2034. The proposal amends section 5 of article 8 of the Constitution.
This indebtedness has occurred since 1962, renewed each time by a Constitutional Amendment allowing the legislature to prescribe the method by which and the terms and conditions under which the amount of any such indebtedness to be excluded shall be determined, and no such indebtedness shall be excluded except in accordance with such determination.
Since indebtedness is left to the legislature, taxpayers have little to no control or knowledge as to the indebtedness they are incurring; there is no cap on the costs or what would need to be covered. The Conservative Party recommends a NO vote.
CONSERVATIVE PARTY BEGINS STATEWIDE SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
As part of our efforts to encourage Conservative Party enrollment, and turnout on Row C, The NYS Conservative Party is running an extensive statewide social media campaign.
Please go to the links below to see our first three vote Conservative advertisements (also available to download at the bottom of the page), please like and share with family and friends:
We are only a few days away from our October Reception being held on October 25th at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, where we are honoring John Mclaughlin with the James Buckley award. We have a fantastic event planned with many Conservative legislators, dignitaries, speakers, etc. We are excited to be joined by our Key-Note speaker, Emma-Jo Morris.
A little background on Emma, she began her career as a producer of “Hannity” at Fox News Channel, before being hired by the New York Post as Deputy Politics Editor, running national politics coverage. Emma is responsible for some of the most explosive stories of the last decade, authoring the Post’s exclusive “laptop from Hell” series. Since joining Breitbart News, Morris has published multiple investigative series, covering the education, media, and medical establishments. She has testified to Congress on the relationship between the US Intelligence Community, Big Tech, and the media, as it relates to journalism and press freedom, and has been featured in outlets across the political spectrum.
We are honored to have her speak, and we hope you can join us. If you haven’t bought a ticket yet, there is still time! Click the link to purchase a ticket: cpnys.org/fall
Conservative Party of New York State Recommends a NO Vote on 2023 Statewide Ballot Issues
Brooklyn, NY – The NYS Conservative Party is recommending a No vote on the two statewide ballot issues on the November 7, 2023 ballot, noted Chairman Gerard Kassar earlier today. The Conservative Party has always considered the fiscal impact of ballot questions, in addition to impending serious need, and has concluded the fiscal impact of these two ballot questions exceed the long-term benefit and will place additional financial burdens on New York taxpayers.
Proposal Number One, An Amendment:
The proposed amendment to Article 8 section 4 of the Constitution removed the special constitutional debt limitation now placed on small city school districts, so they will be treated the same as all other school districts. Shall the proposed amendment be approved?
Currently the small school districts are limited to 5% of the taxable real estate in the district (there are exceptions to certain expenses); this proposal could double the limit to 10%. The Conservative Party recommends a NO vote.
Proposal Number Two, An Amendment:
The Constitution limits the debt counties, cities, towns and villages can incur. This debt limit does not include debt for sewage treatment and disposal construction projects. The sewer debt exception expires on January 1, 2024. This amendment extends the sewer debt exception for ten more years until January 1, 2034. The proposal amends section 5 of article 8 of the Constitution.
This indebtedness has occurred since 1962, renewed each time by a Constitutional Amendment allowing the legislature to prescribe the method by which and the terms and conditions under which the amount of any such indebtedness to be excluded shall be determined, and no such indebtedness shall be excluded except in accordance with such determination.
Since indebtedness is left to the legislature, taxpayers have little to no control or knowledge as to the indebtedness they are incurring; there is no cap on the costs or what would need to be covered. The Conservative Party recommends a NO vote.
