“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
October 2, 2024
NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY RELEASES 2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION RATINGS
Brooklyn, NY – The New York State Conservative Party today released its 2024 scoring of state legislators on 27 key conservative bills voted on in Albany during the 2024 legislative session. They include thirteen two-house bills, seven one-house Senate bills and seven one-house Assembly bills.
Overall Senate ratings averaged 41.2% — Democrats averaged 16.2% while Republicans averaged 92% — and the Assembly’s overall rating average was 39.5%, with Democrats averaging a 16.2% Conservative score and Republicans averaging 92%. The Governor’s Mansion and both houses of the Legislature are currently controlled by Democrats.
Thirteen legislators — nine senators and four assembly members — scored a 100% Conservative rating, and many Republicans scored in the 90th percentile. Full legislative rankings are linked below.
“The New York State Conservative Party issues this score card annually so our voters know exactly how their legislators are voting on key issues to center-right voters.” said State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar. “With Democrats driving this state to the far left fringes, voters need to know who’s got the fortitude to stand toe to toe with them, and who doesn’t. The slight uptick in Conservative ratings this year reflects a powerful desire to make New York functional again.
“Voter education has always been a core tenet of the Conservative Party,” Chairman Kassar continued. “One glance at these issue rankings will show the average citizen just how out of touch with their viewpoints most Democrat legislators are today.”
The Conservative Party encourages voters to review the ratings and to let legislators know where they stand,” Chairman Kassar said.
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Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
October 2, 2024
Statement on Vance Victory in Vice Presidential Debate by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“We saw last night why former President Trump picked Senator J.D. Vance as his vice-presidential running mate. Senator Vance was poised, meticulously prepared, and persuasive throughout the night. Governor Tim Walz struggled to explain away false biographical claims. This was a clear victory for the Trump-Vance team.”
As I begin my fourth two-year term, I was honored to be re-elected as Chairman of the NYS Conservative Party. I wish to thank Schenectady Chairman Jim Barrett for nominating me and the unanimous support of the State Committee in returning me.
We have a great statewide Leadership team with Erie County Chairman Ralph Lorigo moving into the Ex Vice-Chairman spot, joined by Howard Lim as Secretary and Fran Vella Marrone as Secretary. They are joined by eight Vice Chairman, seven Regional Vice Chairman, and 36 at large Executive Committee Members.
The Party enrollment has hit an all time high of approximately 152,000 members. We regularly receive 280,000 to 300,000 votes statewide also on average a high, and expect President Trump to shatter that average this November.
We have nominated Donald Trump for President, Congressional candidates throughout the state and a full slate of State Senate and Assembly candidates.
Sure, we all saw it coming. Regardless it takes nothing away from the disappointment in knowing your city’s leader is corrupt. Watching the press conference, my take away is that the Southern District, FBI, and NYC Department of Investigations had only just begun to compile the case against Adams with the possibility of additional charges as well as charges against several co-conspirators.
Interestingly this case has nothing to do with multiple additional investigations into NYC government including the one that took down senior members of the NYPD and Law Enforcement.
The conclusion one can draw is that the NYC government in in shambles, literally collapsing and the Captain of the Ship is being thrown into the brig.
I thought you would enjoy a social media spot we developed and are now airing around the state about our endorsement of President Trump, Jim Jordan accepting the endorsement and dozens of law enforcement unions joining with us in supporting the President.
In fact, if you applied for a mail-in ballot, you probably received it. Delivery of these ballots will continue until early in-person voting begins on Saturday, October 26th.
As a young man involved in politics, I would appear at my local polling place with a poll watcher’s certificate waiting for the polls in Brooklyn to open at 6 AM. I remember always saying to the Democrat poll watcher at exactly 6 AM that the polls are open. A strong, determined statement no doubt. If you are interested in being a poll watcher this Election or want more information, you can contact Andrew Davis at Andrew@cpnys.org. Don’t just vote, bring a friend who doesn’t vote with you, make phone calls, knock on doors, drive people to the polls, etc. It all comes down to this moment. Being 37 Days till Election Day, we must not let up, onward to victory!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
September 26, 2024
HOCHUL CAN AND MUST REMOVE ADAMS FROM OFFICE UNDER CITY CHARTER PROVISION: NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY
Chapter 1 Section 9
New York…”Governor Kathy Hochul has the power and obligation to remove New York City Mayor Eric Adams from office, following the near complete collapse of his administration under growing FBI probes,” New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar today said.
Under Chapter 1 Section 9 of the City Charter, Governor Hochul may immediately lodge charges against Mayor Adams who would be granted the right to defend himself. The Governor, who would act as the sole judge in the case, could also suspend the Mayor for 30 days during the pendency of the process, Mr. Kassar noted.
Mayor Adams is facing federal charges for bribery conspiracy, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. Gracie Mansion was raided by Justice Department officials early this morning.
“Mayor Adams and his administration have spiraled out of control, and they’ve lost the ability to run this city with any type of public confidence,” Mr. Kassar said. “With the City reeling from crime, the migrant crisis, and high-level government corruption, Governor Hochul has a responsibility to act. She should immediately begin the process of removing Mr. Adams from office so that a new election can be held. The current situation is both unworkable and intolerable.”
Chairman Kassar called on Mayor Adams to resign on Wednesday, but the Mayor is refusing to step aside.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
September 21, 2024
KASSAR UNANIMOUSLY REELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY
New York…New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar has been unanimously reelected to a fourth two-term after a vote by the Party Executive Committee on Saturday at the American Legion Blanchard-Curry Post in Delmar, NY.
The New York Conservative Party was formed in 1962 to restore a meaningful choice to the voters of New York State. At that time, the three existing political parties espoused the doctrinaire liberal philosophy of the welfare state at home and the collectivist ideology abroad. In just six decades, the party has grown from a small band of conservative-minded men and women to a statewide organization dedicated to the traditional American values of individual freedom, individual responsibility, and individual effort.
The Conservative Party has achieved myriad wins throughout its history, including in its effort to elect 10 New York Republican-Conservative candidates to Congress in 2022, victories widely cited as giving the GOP its current House majority.
“Serving the Conservative Party has been one of the great privileges of my life, and I am honored to be elected chairman again,” Mr. Kassar said. “The New York State Conservative Party has stood for time-tested principles for more than 60 years — common sense, individual political and economic freedom, and respect for the Constitution — and that advocacy will boldly continue under my leadership. New York State has become a shell of itself under faddish progressive rule, and taxpayers are yearning for normalcy and economic relief.”
The full slate of elected Conservative Party leaders follows:
Long Island patriots showed up in massive numbers this past Wednesday for a chance to hear President Donald Trump speak. Many people spent the night patiently waiting on line days before the event to be one of the first let in. The enthusiasm was off the charts, and I had the pleasure of being front and center. In fact, so were many Conservative Party members from Long Island, New York City, and the lower Hudson Valley.
The Nassau Coliseum was the site for this past Wednesday’s Donald Trump for President Rally. The Coliseum, once the home of Islanders Hockey, can hold almost 16,000 with the use of the court area. Every seat was filled with hundreds more standing. In addition, thousands of requested tickets could not be accommodated due to the massive influx of supporters. However, those who didn’t get in were still eager to watch on the jumbo screen outside.
To say the crowd was loud, enthusiastic, and excited about casting their vote for President Trump would be an understatement. At times they could barely control themselves.
The former President was excellent. His love for New York, frankly, despite the treatment some here have shown him, was evident. He often speaks of the city, but this was one of the few times I’ve heard him talk about his many visits to Coney Island with his father – no doubt to Trump Village. He told a story about his father, who despite being immensely wealthy, preferred to drop by White Castle at lunchtime for what Trump called those “little burgers.”
Trump’s New York-centric speech included a commitment to reinstate the SALT deduction, which for many, was the key element of their itemized deductions.
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis was very well received as a keynote speaker. She was strong, focused, and compelling. She takes the Biden-Harris Administration apart point by point. She builds on the successes of the first Trump Administration and the need for change. She is highly familiar with the former President’s economic, border, and public safety proposals which she expertly articulates. She is also a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, the most difficult committee to obtain a membership on. Nicole holds a graduate degree in Business from Wagner College.
Rudy Guiliani spoke to a warm crowd sympathetic to his many plights.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine welcomed Trump to the Island insuring him that Suffolk was Trump territory.
Bruce Blakeman, the hometown Nassau County Executive, not only received a thunderous greeting, but he also found the President referring to him multiple times during his remarks for the work he has done. From the no mask law, to ending men playing women’s sports, Blakeman takes on the social wars as quickly as he takes on illegal immigration and public safety.
Former Congressman and Gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin often travels the nation with the former President. He was there with his wife Diana coming over from his home in Suffolk County. Lee addressed the Republican Convention last month too.
Lee made a point of pushing for a NO vote on Proposition One – a position strongly supported by the Conservative and Republican Parties. He makes the case against the lack of Harris proposals and the awful failures of the Biden years. No one does comparative candidate remarks better than Lee Zeldin. If you felt we needed Trump to beat Harris before Lee took the podium, you knew exactly why you needed him when he finished. As always, a job well done.
Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, the Congressman from the surrounding communities, made the pitch for Trump as a President who will stand up for Nassau County. A President that will work with him in delivering for Nassau.
Congressman Nick Lalota, who represents the South Shore of Suffolk County, together with Anthony are Congressional leaders in the fight to restore the SALT deduction. Nick was all smiles knowing that Trump was going to reaffirm his commitment to restoring the SALT deduction made earlier in the week.
Being with thousands of like-minded people at a political gathering can be an inspiring activity. The Trump rally put a smile on a lot of faces who left the Colisum to return to all sorts of downstate New York locations ready to battle for a government that they want for themselves, their families, and friends.
PROPOSITION ONE AD
Over the past few months, the Conservative Party has taken an active stance against Proposition One which will be on the Ballot on November 5th. In addition, the Republican Party, our endorsed candidates around the state, and organizations like Protectkidsny, have also been stressing the importance of this issue. We are doing everything we can for people to see past the facade of the so-called “Equal Rights” Amendment. Until Election Day, the Conservative Party will be running “Vote No on Prop One” Ads around the state. This is a great informative graphic that will help us spread the truth about Prop One. You can view it here. And If you want to share our social media Ad, you can do so here.
Patriots Podium Podcast Featuring Gonzalo Duran
Patriots Podium Episode #27 featuring Bronx County Conservative Party Vice Chairman Gonzalo Duran, and candidate for Congress in NY-15! I had the pleasure of interviewing Gonzalo to talk about his voter registration efforts from this past year. For those that don’t know, Gonzalo recently registered his 100th voter this year at a press conference I attended outside of the Bronx Board of Elections. He was also one of the ones who received our yearly enrollment award for his great work. During this podcast, we discuss his strategy for recruiting/registering voters conservative, NYC politics, Gonzalo’s veteran background, and fresh ideas to help elect Donald J Trump as our next President. I would expect to see a lot more of Mr. Duran over the years, as he is certain to make a large impact on the Bronx. Watch on any of the links below:
Brooklyn, NY – The New York State Conservative Party released a powerful video advertisement on social media networks across New York State today to warn New Yorkers about serious unintended consequences that will occur if the November ballot initiative known as Prop 1 passes.
The Party warned that Prop 1 will give biological males a Constitutional right to compete on Girls and Womens Sports teams in New York; it would prevent parents from learning if a child is gender transitioning in school; it would silence free speech within religious communities, and it would lay the groundwork for non-citizens voting in New York elections.
“The language in this amendment is grossly irresponsible,” said State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar. “This radical proposal was pushed through without any public input and without consultation with Constitutional experts. If it passes, expect a never-ending stream of lawsuits in this state challenging everything from Girls Sports to senior housing to migrant voting. Prop 1 would forever change this state in a way the vast majority of New Yorkers do not want. We strongly urge a ‘no’ vote on this truly radical amendment proposal.”
NYC FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS EXPANDS – NYPD COMMISSIONER RESIGNS
The tentacles of official corruption are reaching into the highest echelons of the NYC government. There does not seem to be one central theme such as bribery or extortion. In fact, corruption investigations run the gamut from taxpayer-funded campaign violations to protection schemes and even questions concerning the influence of foreign governments on NYC government.
Others such as the NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban cannot explain the use of official vehicles to chauffeur his brother James, a prominent figure in the nighttime entertainment industry, and questions about protection payments being solicited.
Mayor Adams himself has been criticized for giving little to no attention to setting up an unethical administration. In fact, integrity does not appear to be one of the top qualifications to work in his administration. His first Deputy Mayor had her phone confiscated and her home searched by the FBI. The same has occurred with the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, who is the brother of the school’s Chancellor, who in turn is engaged to and lives with the first Deputy Mayor.
Questions are being raised about the activities of not-for-profits the Mayor supports. We are coming closer and closer to the ultimate question of what did Adams know and when did he know it. Something to keep in mind, under the NYC Charter, if Adams resigns in the next few months, the public advocate holds the position only until a special election is called within a few weeks.
NYC special elections are non-partisan which gives the GOP and Conservative Parties a chance to participate in electing a Mayor for all the people. The two parties combine for 300,000 votes, plus votes in partisan elections that see 1.1 million votes cast. An enterprising Conservative, a leaning Democrat or an Independent would be well on his or her way to victory by harnessing these votes.
BRONX GOES CONSERVATIVE
Did you ever think you’d read this headline? Think again. Admittedly, we are not taking over Borough Hall, but it is true that the Party has had over a 15% increase in enrollment over the past year. This is 15% after taking into account losses in enrollment. As a percentage, it is far higher than the Democratic and Republican parties. The party’s county-wide vote has correspondingly increased.
One person alone, Gonzalo Duran, has registered over 200 new Conservatives in the past nine months. Another, Dion Powell, nearly 150 new Conservative Party Members. Many of the new enrollees are hispanic and black, they are overwhelmingly younger and they are all solid Donald Trump Supporters.
I have had an opportunity to attend press events and a debate watch party with the Bronx Conservatives. They truly are an enthusiastic and terrific group. Special thank you Chairman Pat McManus for everything he does for the Bronx Conservative Party. I am very excited about these gains and proud of the work that’s being done, and I hope you will be too.
If you are interested in learning more, next week we will be airing a podcast that discusses the emerging strength of the Bronx Conservative Party.
FEDS DELAY REAL ID RULES FOR AIR TRAVEL
The day after 9/11, the Biden/Harris Administration proposed the delay on real ID rules for air travel. Sure it’s stupid, but it’s also dangerous.
The world is certainly not getting safer. We hear of terrorist intrusions we have stopped, we wonder how many have already crossed over the border with thousands of illegal aliens or forged paperwork.
The TSA is using government double talk to explain that they want to delay full enforcement two years, but do not want to change the day the real ID goes into effect. This is outright head-scratching and should be strongly opposed.
Fortunately, the ten members of the NYS Congressional Delegation we elected, as well as our candidates, have not been fooled and are committed to opposing this dangerous change.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
September 11, 2024
9/11 Memorial Statement by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“Today’s crisp air and deep blue sky almost reminds us of that terrible September day 23 years ago when foreign terrorists attacked our nation and took the lives of nearly 3,000 of our neighbors. Thousands more have passed away in the intervening years from cancers and other ailments caused by the 9/11 attacks. We pause to remember today all those we’ve lost, to recommit ourselves to their memories, and to pledge ourselves to an even better, safer, and freer America. The Conservative Party will never forget.”
