“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
January 31, 2023
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
Brooklyn, NY...New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar today released the Party’s 2023 Legislative Program. The Conservative Party publicly submits its agenda each year to make clear its beliefs and priorities for the annual legislative session in Albany.
The Conservative Party is building on one of its most fruitful years ever. In 2022, it played a key role in the successful litigation effort that forced fair, court-ordered redistricting lines across the state. With reasonable district lines established, the Conservative Party supported 11 winning congressional candidates from New York, four of whom won with margins provided by line “C.” Newsmax called the New York State Conservative Party “The Majority Makers” for its role in the Republican takeover of Congress.
“Political parties have a duty to spell out in detail the ideas and legislative measures they support, and we are pleased to do so again in 2023,” Mr. Kassar said. “Unsurprisingly, we continue to call for fiscally sound, pro-economic-growth policies; respect for human life; strong public safety laws; religious and other constitutional freedoms; free-market solutions to healthcare and housing shortages; accountability in education, and government reforms, including the return of powers to the State Legislature, a co-equal branch of New York State government. We urge that members of all political affiliations review and consider these prescriptions for a better state.”
Every year, on January 27, the world comes together to remember the millions of innocent men, women and children murdered by the Nazi regime. I would be remiss if I didn’t make one thing very clear—while today may be the official International Day of Remembrance, the thought that these atrocities were happening not too long ago and not too far away never escapes me.
Staying vigilant against antisemitism, and all forms of discrimination, is not something we should just verbalize, but practice on a daily basis. Together, we must ensure that the world never sees such darkness again.
We have unfortunately experienced heightened levels of discrimination aimed at our Jewish and Asian neighbors in recent years here in New York. Those acts go against everything I value as an American and I hope you all join me in re-committing that hate will not win.
Please take a moment today to say a prayer for all the lives lost, as well as those who lived through the unimaginable horror of the holocaust.
Speaker McCarthy Announces Key New Committee Members
The Speaker of the House announced the list of Congressional Members that will serve on a subcommittee that will investigate the “weaponization” of the federal government and COVID-19.
It is exactly for reasons like this that it was crucial for Republicans to take back the United States House. With Democrats no longer in control, special interest and big government take a hit. Now we have the ability to get to the bottom of the issues that matter most and investigate circumstances that changed the course of American history and our lives.
Rep. Jim Jordan has been tapped to lead the panel on weaponization. Joining him will be Reps. Darrell Issa, Thomas Massie, Chris Stewart, Mike Johnson, Chip Roy, Kelly Armstrong, Greg Steube, Dan Bishop, Kat Cammack, Harriet Hageman and New York’s own Elise Stefanik.
Rep. Elise Stefanik released a statement where she promised to “hold the DOJ and FBI accountable for their longstanding political weaponization.” Additionally, she intends to probe both the IRS and HHS.
Additionally, a new subcommittee on COVID-19 has also been formed to investigate the origins of the virus and what role the federal government may have played in its gain of function research as Republicans look for answers in regard to the pandemic.
To lead that committee, Speaker McCarthy chose Rep. Brad Wenstrup, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Debbie Lesko, Michael Cloud, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Ronny Jackson, Rich McCormick and another of New York’s stars Nicole Malliotakis.
CPPAC NEXT WEEKEND
The Conservative Party’s annual political action conference is coming up in just a few days. It is being held on Sunday, February 5th and Monday, February 6th at the Albany Hilton downtown just across the street from the State Capitol Building.
The conference is loaded with great speakers and events. The all-inclusive price of $175 includes two days of seminars, a Sunday night reception with newly elected members of Congress and the State Legislature, Monday morning breakfast, Monday lunch with Lee Zeldin and Alison Esposito, an evening reception and dinner with our Conservative Party endorsed members of the Assembly and Senate.
The Sunday and Monday sessions have programs designed to help you run candidates, reach out, raise funds and run a political party. There also will be great speakers and informative panels. You will hear from pollster John McLaughlin, author and China expert Gordon Chang, Brandon Judd the national head of the Border Patrol union as well as a panel consisting of Congress members Mike Lawler, Marcus Molinaro, Nick LaLota and Brandon Williams.
The Democratic controlled State Senate Judiciary Committee voted against Governor Hochul’s nomination for Chief Judge marking the first time in history that a Governors nominee has failed to be confirmed. This is a shocking and embarrassing defeat for Governor Hochul at the hands of her own Democratic colleagues in the senate.
Judge LaSalle, who was endorsed last year in the 10th Judicial District by the Conservative Party, is highly regarded for his fairness, intelligence, temperament and work ethic by colleagues, peers and lawyers alike. It is shameful that Judge LaSalle has not been afforded the right to go before the entirety of the New York State Senate for a confirmation vote of the full body. This does remain an open issue subject to litigation.
If it wasn’t clear already, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal’s (the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee) comments left no room for misinterpretation when he suggested any judge that received the Conservative Party nomination will not be considered by his committee.
The left wing crazies on the committee led by Hoylman-Sigal ensured that LaSalle never got a fair chance.
Top legal scholars, experts on the legislature and State Constitution, all agree that the advice and consent role of the Judiciary Committee is to make a recommendation to the entire 63 member Senate body.
This is yet another shameful play by Democrats in the State Senate who this time voted against one of their own because he dare enforce the law and carry out his duties as a judge.
New York’s Conservative Party endorsed Members of Congress got more good news this week as committee assignments were finalized. Many members received positions on top committees while others were assigned committees that are both near and dear to them, and most importantly, near and dear to New Yorkers.
The influence of New York around the country is front and center with the appointment of the following committees:
Rep. Nick Lalota NY-01: Homeland Security, House Armed Service
Rep. Andrew Garbarino NY-02: Financial Services, Homeland Security
Rep. Anthony D’Esposito NY-04: Transportation and Infrastructure, Homeland Security
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis NY-11: Ways and Means
Rep. Michael Lawler NY-17: Financial Services, Foreign Affairs
Rep. Marcus Molinaro NY-19: Transportation and Infrastructure, Agriculture
Rep. Elise Stefanik: Chair of the House Majority Conference
Rep. Brandon Williams NY-22: Transportation and Infrastructure, Science and Technology
Rep. Nick Langworthy NY-23: House Oversight, Agriculture
Rep. Claudia Tenney NY-24: Ways and Means
*Note: Rep. George Santos NY-03 has been assigned to Small Business; Science & Technology. However, the State & Nassau County Conservative Party position remains that he should show respect for his constituents and office by resigning. Furthermore, we no longer consider him a part of our delegation.
Mayor Adams and the Migrant Crisis
Why is it so difficult for Mayor Adams to admit that New York City cannot dig itself out of the economic hole that its economic and social policies have dug? Why does he not see that the city is still suffering from the effects of COVID turning many of our business and shopping areas into deserts of empty office space and closed stores? Why does the Mayor think that spending 2 billion dollars annually to address the migrant crisis is okay with most New Yorkers?
Mayor Adams creates more questions than he has answers. And although I do agree that Biden’s border policies are the biggest part of the problem, New York City government’s progressive rhetoric was naturally going to work against the city’s ability to serve its actual citizens from the start.
New York City couldn’t handle 2 buses of migrants without going into a state of emergency. What do they think is happening to Texas and Arizona?
Conference Update
We look forward to seeing you at our annual Conservative Party Political Action Conference. Though not nearly the first conference, it will be considerably different than in years past as we continue to evolve with the times and political landscape. We look forward to both great speakers and immensely informative breakout sessions.
We are happy to feature Lee Zeldin and Alison Esposito at Monday’s lunch, Gordon Chang on the dangers of TicTok and the growing China threat, John Mclaughlin on understanding polling, along with a panel of newly elected Congressmembers. We will also hold seminar presentations and processes with Brian Kolb on Public financing of elections, along with media training, petitions, party organizing, campaign interaction and raising money. Finally, Border security and parental rights with a closing reception honoring the super stars of last year’s legislature round out the conference.
This will, without a doubt, be our most successful conference yet!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
January 19, 2023
Brooklyn-NY…“The progressive Chairman of the State Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal of Manhattan, declared today that any judicial nominee in New York running on the Conservative Party line should be summarily rejected for consideration. In other words, Senator Hoylman-Sigal wants prospective judges pre-judged in this state to meet his own ideological bent. Maybe it’s time that the Conservative Party reconsider its cross endorsements of Democrats.
“Serious people understand that Mr. Hoylman-Sigal is not among them, but his position as Senate Judiciary Chairman is cause for genuine alarm. How is it possible that a man with such prejudices is in a position to so radically affect our judicial system and the lives of each and every New Yorker? Isn’t justice supposed to be blind?”
Our Congressional Delegation has done very well in the first set of committee announcements, many earning top positions in what will only make New York stronger as a state.
Congresswomen Claudia Tenney and Nicole Malliotakis were appointed to the Ways and Means Committee, the most powerful committee in the House of Representatives. Congressman Michael Lawler was appointed to the Financial Services Committee which oversees the Equity Markets and the Insurance Industry among its responsibilities.
They join Congressman Andrew Garbarino who was appointed a member of the Majority Steering Committee which works directly with the Speaker in managing the House Republicans.
Of course, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik the Chairwoman of the House Republican Conference is the third highest ranking member f the House Majority.
Next week appointments will be announced for the remaining members of the New York delegation. Considering our slate were the U.S. House “Majority Makers,” I expect that they too will do well.
Congratulations to all!
State of the State
Having traveled to Albany for Governor Hochul’s State of the State, I am being kind in calling it a recipe for disaster. Maintaining the Dream which she hoped would become the thematic outline for her remarks were another reminder of the nightmare NYS government has created for most of its citizens.
There was little to offer on public safety. In fact, her approach will push off meaningful change for the foreseeable future.
Her housing proposals are not realistic. The proposal to allow the state to override local zoning should be a non-starter. Ending the use of fossil fuels for heating in new construction which will require the use of electric heat pumps is an expensive burden for homeowners and landlords a like.
Her proposal to increase the minimum wage to above $21 and to link a cost-of-living adjustment with it, will drive more existing businesses out of the state and be one more barrier to attracting business. Balancing budgets on ultra-expensive borrowing and federal funds that are unlikely to materialize remains her goal as she plans for a new record spending document. We need to cut spending.
Governor Hochul’s State of the State is a reminder that New York lacks a leader in the Executive Mansion. It’s a sorry State of affairs.
President Biden looked like a deer in headlights as he attempted to explain how so many classified documents came to be in his possession during his four-post Vice Presidency years in office. His Press Secretary did him no favors with her inability to articulately answer questions from the media and often times looking unprepared.
The bottom line is he cannot explain how they ended up in a totally non-secure setting. It is long overdue for the Democratic Party to hold Biden to the same standard they wish to hold President Trump. I suspect that will be impossible for a Party more focused on hate for President Trump then admitting to their own serious flaws. My full statement is here.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
January 13, 2023
Brooklyn-NY…“President Joe Biden’s reckless mishandling of classified documents from his time as Vice President — some were sitting in a garage for years — is a matter of deep national security concern. Unlike documents discovered at Mar-a-Lago, the classified materials President Biden kept were virtually unprotected. No classified documents should ever be removed from the White House, but the carelessness with which President Biden stored them is extraordinary. It calls into serious question the President’s judgment, and we hope for a thorough and apolitical investigation into what happened.
“It should also be noted that some of the documents were discovered before the November 8, 2022 elections, but not reported until after the elections had taken place, demonstrating the nakedly political thought that went into their reporting. One wonders what President Biden was thinking while doing interviews condemning President Trump for documents discovered at Mar-a-Lago. This is Washington at its worst.”
Hochul wants more changes to bail laws, Democratic lawmakers reluctant. As the column notes, Democratic lawmakers are reluctant to make changes to the bail reform legislation that went into effect in 2020; you could change their minds. Contact your local legislator, both Assembly and Senate, and let them know crime is out of control and changes are absolutely necessary; while phone calls are okay, a written letter is better. If you do not make your voice head, how will they know this is important to all New Yorkers.
AG Garland Announces Special Counsel to Probe Biden’s Classified Document Scandal “While it’s too soon to say for sure, the fact that the initial investigation necessitated Biden’s attorney general appointing a special counsel to investigate his own boss suggests that there was some “there,” there worthy of further scrutiny.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
January 11, 2023
Brooklyn-NY…“The New York State Conservative Party stands with Nassau County Republicans in calling on newly elected Rep. George Santos to resign. Mr. Santos’s profound use of mistruths as a candidate morally disqualifies him from serving in public office and exposes him to potential legal action, seriously compromising his ability to represent his constituents.
“It is my hope, and the hope of Nassau County Conservative Chairman Daniel M. Donovan, that Mr. Santos will voluntarily tender his resignation out of respect for the public and the institution to which he was elected under false pretenses. We are also hopeful that Mr. Santos will choose the redemptive path going forward. That begins, necessarily, with his resignation.”
Steven Malanga writes in City Journal that Black Ink Brings Red-State Tax Cuts. It also tells us that some states will not suffer as much as others if there is a recession.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
January 10, 2023
STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON GOVERNOR HOCHUL’S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
“What’s most alarming is the Governor’s apparent belief that more spending can fix the very problems that high-spending, high-taxing states themselves create.”
Albany-NY…“Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State message is a document of conflicts — she cites many of the problems New Yorkers face, but her ‘solutions’ too often would make things worse.
“The Governor calls for Band-Aids where tourniquets are needed: She proposes building 800,000 new housing units in a state that’s chased away more than a million and a half residents over the past two decades with nation-leading taxes. The Governor talks about rising crime, but refuses to end one of its root causes: cashless bail. She highlights the environment, but bans clean-energy natural gas exploration in the state, natural gas use in new construction, and she wants to require expensive and inadequate electric heat pumps in homes, making it even harder for families to keep the lights on. Mrs. Hochul talks about the high cost of living in New York, but refuses to right size the gargantuan, inefficient government causing it.
“What’s most alarming is the Governor’s apparent belief that more and more spending can fix the very problems that high-spending, high-taxing states themselves create. New York’s budgets are getting larger and larger under this Governor. That’s the problem, not the solution.
“If we are not serious about our challenges, Governor Hochul’s ‘New York Dream’ will continue as a nightmare for millions of hardworking state residents. We can do better.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
January 7, 2023
Brooklyn, NY – “The New York State Conservative Party congratulates House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on his historic victory tonight. The Party is particularly proud of the 11 House Republicans from New York State who presented a strong, unified, and unwavering front for Speaker McCarthy in round after round of voting. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a dynamic House leader, was one of those honored to nominate Speaker McCarthy on the House floor.
“These 11 members, each of whom was supported by the Conservative Party — the Party provided the direct margin of victory in four of those races — will play a key role in the 118th Congress, and rightly so. The Republican delegation from New York is ready and able to help lead our nation forward.”
