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:

Prop 1 – VOTE NO

Proposition One to the State Constitution that can be found on the backside of the New York State ballot can do many things. That is why many of us are calling it the “anything goes amendment”. Since it will give litigators and Judges enormous opportunities to interpret the poorly worded amendment in a manner consistent with New York State government’s leftward leanings.

It is very clear that the amendment if passed will buttress the efforts of some to allow men into women’s sports. In New York State thousands of High School students from all corners of state plan to boycott school athletics on October 24th to send a message that Prop One is a terrible idea. Recently, I had the pleasure of going on Newsmax to discuss the disastrous Prop One, and the statewide student walk out against men in women’s sports. You can watch here: 

If that was not bad enough it strongly pushes back at a parent’s ability to intervene in a minor attempting to go through a gender identity (sex change) transformation.

We should not forget that it will likely provide a state protection requiring illegal aliens to

receive a host of state benefits. It challenges religious organizations to abide strictly to stage policies if they have any beneficial interactions with the state. Even if it violates the teachings and principles of the group – like the Catholic Church and most Christian organizations, as well as traditional Muslim and Jewish religious centers.

And if all of this was not bad enough, most NYS constitutional scholars take the view that non-citizen voting (not illegal alien voting) will get a shot in the arm if this amendment passes.

This is very relevant to me, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, and Borough President Vito Fossella, who to this point have successfully litigated against New York City putting non-citizen voting into effect. We are now before the State’s highest court – the Court of Appeals – awaiting their decision which will be impacted if this becomes law.

I urge you to vote no on this amendment, but regardless of your view, it is imperative that everyone gets out and votes either by mail, early in person or on election day.

Fall Reception

Please join us for the NYS Conservative Party’s Fall Reception, October 29th, at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle from 6:30-8:30pm! Over the coming days we will be announcing some of our great speakers. To start, we are honored to have Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne coming to speak! There will be an array of committee members, legislators, conservative activists, candidates, etc. As announced on the flier, U.S. Senate Candidate Mike Sapraicone will also be in attendance. It’s going to be a great Pre-Election Rally before Election Day! You can purchase your tickets here: or go to CPNYS.org/fall2024

I just have to say, we are extraordinarily lucky to have a candidate like Mike. Mike is working extremely hard, and is hitting every corner of NYS to ensure victory in November. Just in the past few days, I ran into Mike at a Dutchess County Conservative Party Pre-Election Brunch, and a few days later at a Wayne County event. New Yorkers would be well served to have this successful businessman with a 24/7 work ethic representing them in Washington. You can learn more about Mike Sapraicone by visiting his page here: 

Passing of Greg Rigby, Former Cayuga County Chairman

The Party has lost one of its greatest leaders with the passing of Greg Rigby. Greg  was a giant in the party spending many years as the Cayuga County Chairman and as a State Party Vice Chairman.  More than being a Party leader, Greg was a good man.  He will be very much missed. Prayers for his soul and for his wife and children.  If you would like to read more about Greg, you can do so here:

Conservative Party Releases 2024 Legislative Ratings

The New York State Conservative Party has released its 2024 ratings for state legislators based on 27 key conservative bills from the recent legislative session. These include 13 two-house bills, 7 Senate-only bills, and 7 Assembly-only bills.

In the Senate, the average conservative rating was 41.2%, with Democrats averaging 16.2% and Republicans 92%. In the Assembly, the average was 39.5%, with similar Democrat and Republican splits. Thirteen legislators, including nine senators and four assembly members, scored a perfect 100%.

The point of this scorecard is for voter awareness, accountability, and highlighting growing conservative resistance against the state’s leftward shift. These ratings will be very useful for yourself, and your members going forward. Full rankings are linked below.

Assembly Ratings: https://www.cpnys.org/2024/10/02/2024-assembly-ratings/

Senate Ratings: https://www.cpnys.org/2024/10/02/2024-senate-ratings/

Descriptions:  https://www.cpnys.org/2024/10/02/2024-assembly-senate-bill-descriptions/

You can read our full Press Release here:

JD VANCE FOR VICE PRESIDENT

Myself and Andrew Davis joined hundreds of JD Vance/ President Trump supporters outside CBS studios prior to the debate Tuesday evening cheering on JD Vance as we awaited his arrival.

The crowd was loud, young, and diverse. It made me feel good to see such energy while reminding me of decades ago, as a National Director of Young Americans for Freedom, campaigning to elect Ronald Reagan.

Vance won the debate hands down.  He was on top of his game showing great intellect, character, leadership, and understanding of the conservative way to dig America out of an array of problems caused by the Biden/Harris administration.

Walz was nervous, bumbling in some responses and clearly saddled with the hopelessness of explaining Harris’s positions on border security, law enforcement, the economy, and an over-reaching federal government.

As far as character, Walz will never be able to explain his reasoning for fabricating a story that placed him at Tiananmen Square during the 1989 protests. In fact, calling himself a knucklehead in admitting that he made up the story might be one of the worst explanations I have ever encountered to counter a lie.

As an aside, several years ago I had the opportunity to meet at State Headquarters with the young man who was seen worldwide blocking the movement of the Chinese tank. A brave man, who fled to the United States serving for decades in the US military and eventually became a pastor.  I wonder what his thoughts are concerning Governor Walz.

I do not need polling to tell me that JD Vance wiped the stage with Walz, who at best can claim he ended better than he started.

The Democratic losers have said it does not matter, no one votes for Vice President. I disagree, the Presidential race is tight. The Democrats had nothing to gain in their candidate appearing as not being ready on Day 1 or Day 365 for that matter.

JD Vance was impressive. Conservatives should be proud of him.

Adams Gets More Bad News

Competing in the finals for loser of the year, New York City’s indicted Mayor was in a Federal Courtroom at Foley Square listening to the US Attorney indicating that there will likely be more indictments of Adams and the people closest to him.

The Grand Jury continues to meet.

He has seen a top law enforcement advisor, Tim Pearson, resign and his Education head, David Banks, leave two months earlier than his announced early resignation.

Adams needs to join them. New York City is a mess with serious questions if Adams, indicted on Federal felony counts, has kept his top federal security clearance.