“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
June 5, 2024
Statement on Congestion Pricing Halt by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“This is a major victory for New Yorkers by New Yorkers, and a reminder that persistent opposition has consequences, too.
“Governor Hochul’s halting of the congestion pricing tax is an admission of what opponents have been saying all along: the tax would have been unfair, regressive, and economically counterproductive. It should never see the light of day again.
“Governor Hochul should now focus on a massive overhaul of the MTA’s leadership. An agency that loses more than $700 million annually in lost fares and tolls, and which spends seven times more to lay a mile of track than the second most expensive city in the world, needs a top-to-bottom audit. It spent more than $1.4 billion in overtime costs alone last year.
“The Conservative Party has stood firmly against this tax from the very beginning. We are proud to have been a leader in this historic citizen-driven battle. Tenacity pays off.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
June 4, 2024
Statement on Gov. Hochul’s Social Media Bill by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“Governor Kathy Hochul is right to worry about teen mental health in this state, but how does she explain Prop One?
“This radical ballot measure would prevent parents from knowing if a child is transitioning genders in New York, including through surgical procedures now banned in many parts of Europe. If Governor Hochul really wants to protect children, she’d end her efforts to pass this dangerous initiative. Children need their parents in times of personal crisis.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
June 3, 2024
Two NYPD Officers Shot by Venezuelan Migrant; Statement From New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“When will New York Democrats realize that their sanctuary state policies are an unmitigated disaster? This morning, two New York City Police Officers were shot by a 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant on a scooter. They survived the shootings only by the grace of God and, in one case, a bulletproof vest. We pray for the officers’ full recovery.
“New Yorkers are being terrorized by roving gangs of illegal migrants on a daily basis, and it’s almost beyond belief that Governor Hochul doesn’t recognize the cause. New York is effectively paying illegal migrants to locate here. Just last month, Mrs. Hochul and her Democrat colleagues in Albany approved $2.4 billion in tax dollars for mostly illegal migrants, and now they’re trying to spend another billion of our tax dollars on the growing migrant population. Every dollar spent sends a message around the world: Come to New York; they pay people who break the law here.
“This morning’s shootings never should have happened. The shooter never should have been in New York in the first place. Sanctuary state policies all but pulled the trigger.”
I spent a good part of the past week on the road supporting our candidates, visiting with party leaders, supporters and attending events across the state.
Joe Cairo, the Nassau GOP Chairman, invited myself and Nassau Conservative Party Chairman Dan Donovan to join the GOP organization at Nassau Night in Albany. Elected officials ranging from County Executive Bruce Blakeman, State Senators, Assemblymembers, local elected officials, party officials and Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, were a reminder of how strong the GOP and Conservative Parties are in Nassau County.
The next day began with an early breakfast with Albany area financial supporters of the Party. I then made my way down the Thruway to Orange County where I held a press roundtable with Congressional candidate Alison Esposito, Assembly candidate Tom Lapolla, and Orange County Conservative Party Chairwoman Grace White. We had good press coverage with many of our party people in attendance including the esteemed former Chairman John DeLessio.
Dorey Houle, the Republican and official Conservative Party candidate for State Senate in Orange County faces a Conservative Party primary from Tim Mitts, who re-enrolled as a Conservative on February 14th – the last possible day. It is clear that he is a spoiler put up by liberal Democratic Senator James Skoufis to drain votes from Dorey, who came within a hair of beating him two years ago. Grace, Allison, and Tom used the roundtable to not only discuss important issues in their campaigns, but also to express our strong support for Dorey.
Then, onto Tappan in Rockland County with our Director of Operations, Andrew Davis, to push for the re-election of Assemblyman John McGowan. The Assemblyman, a former Prosecutor, has a 92% Conservative Party rating. He faces a serious challenge from a well-funded Democratic local office holder. Once again there is a Conservative Party primary by a candidate who is quick to admit that he is no more than a spoiler candidate. John is the official party nominee. I was pleased to be joined by County Executive Ed Day, GOP Chairman Lawrence Garvey and Conservative Party Regional Vice Chairman Bill Beckmann for the enlightening press conference.
Later in Eastchester, I gave remarks at State Senate candidate Tricia Lindsay’s incredibly successful fundraiser. It was wall-to-wall people in a large room with enthusiasm and excitement permeating the air. Our Eastchester Chairman, Bob Fois, was front and center. It was great to share speaking duties with Bobbie Anne Cox, State Senator George Borrello, County Legislator Jimmy Nolan, Joe Pinion, and GOP Chairman Doug Colety.
I hope to spend many days over the next six months on the road meeting with Party leaders, candidates, the press, supporters and anyone wishing to help the Conservative cause.
Trump Verdict
In a deeply flawed decision, President Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts in a highly biased Manhattan courtroom. This was a verdict most Americans view as a culmination of a prolonged and politically motivated campaign to undermine a president who has consistently championed American values and fought against the entrenched establishment.
I accompanied President Trump for one day of the trial, at which time I saw firsthand the prejudice displayed by Judge Merchan against President Trump. In addition to the judge, I watched the prosecutors given every opportunity to affect the jury outcome, while the defense attorneys were stymied at every opportunity. It was a Manhattan jury, probably the worst place in America for Trump to get a fair trial. Unfortunately, I was proven right.
In my opinion, this conviction backfired on the Democratic party; Americans will remember this come November.
This relentless pursuit of President Trump has diverted significant resources and attention away from pressing national, state, and local issues that New Yorkers really care about. As you saw in the deep blue Bronx last week, New Yorkers are fed up with failing Democrat policies, and this distraction will not deter them from voting for Trump.
Looking ahead to November 5th, the New York State Conservative Party is committed to rallying behind President Trump, confident that the American people will see through this unjust prosecution and vote to restore common sense back to office. The New York State Conservative Party, and our members, proudly stand with President Trump.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
May 30, 2024
Statement on Trump Verdict from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“Today’s decision is a travesty of justice. The entire trial was engineered by a liberal, anti-Trump district attorney, a Democrat justice, and a Manhattan jury. The verdict comes as no surprise, but it is a shameful mark on our nation’s judicial history.
“This decision will have no bearing on the upcoming election. President Trump’s supporters have known since the beginning that this was nothing but a partisan show trial. Onward to November.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
May 30, 2024
Supreme Court Unanimously Rules for NRA — and Against New York — Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“When the U.S. Supreme Court votes unanimously, it’s clear that an egregious Constitutional violation has taken place. In this case, New York State was caught violating the rights of the National Rifle Association (NRA) by coercing private businesses to halt commercial dealings with the NRA for political reasons.
“Today’s decision is a victory for the Constitution and for economic freedom in New York. It will allow the NRA to continue pursuing litigation against New York, a state that has utterly forgotten the principles upon which this nation was founded.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
May 24, 2024
Statement on Governor Hochul’s ‘Clowns’ Insult by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“Governor Kathy Hochul has now joined Hillary Clinton and Andrew Cuomo in broadly disparaging millions of New Yorkers simply because of what they believe. Mrs. Clinton called conservatives ‘deplorables’, Mr. Cuomo said conservatives were unwelcome in New York State, and, now, Mrs. Hochul is calling us ‘clowns.’ These insults say far more about today’s political left than they do about conservatives.
“President Trump, who will joust sharply with political opponents over issues, won’t disparage entire groups of people for their belief structures. But to today’s progressive Democrats, who claim to be liberal minded, anyone who disagrees with them is unworthy of respect, or even politeness. Conservatives are met solely with scorn and derision, even on a personal level.
“The Conservative Party vehemently disagrees with the woke policies Governor Hochul has enacted in New York. We believe they have made the state less safe, less affordable, and less competitive. But we would never call the governor a ‘clown’ for her principles or beliefs. That would be beneath us, just as her comments yesterday were beneath the dignity of her office. We encourage her better angels to do the talking next time. What she said yesterday is unacceptable.”
As we come together to celebrate this Memorial Day weekend, the New York State Conservative Party extends warm wishes to all our fellow New Yorkers and members. This weekend is a cherished time for family gatherings, barbecues, and enjoying the beautiful spring weather, but it is also a solemn occasion to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
Our nation’s liberty and prosperity have been safeguarded by countless heroes who have shown extraordinary courage and dedication. Their sacrifices have shaped the course of our history and ensured that the principles of democracy and freedom continue to thrive like nowhere else in the world.
Let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and express our deepest gratitude to those who have served and their families. Their legacy is a powerful reminder of the values we hold dear and the spirit of the American people.
We encourage everyone to participate in local events and ceremonies, visit memorials, and teach younger generations about the significance of this day. Together, we can honor our fallen heroes and ensure their memories live on.
“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, Also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.”- Abraham Lincoln
Wishing you a safe, joyous, and reflective Memorial Day weekend. God bless you all, and God bless our Veterans!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
May 23, 2024
President Trump Visits the Bronx; Statement by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“President Trump’s rally in the South Bronx tonight will show the real state of the presidential race in New York. Mr. Trump’s popularity in Black, Latino, and Asian communities, among others, is growing exponentially, and for the first time since Ronald Reagan in 1984, this state will be fully in play in November.
“For generations, these communities have largely relied on the Democratic Party, which has failed them miserably. President Trump offers straight talk rather than empty paternalism, and voters are responding in droves. They’ll do the same in November in every corner of New York.”
I had the opportunity to spend all day Monday with former President Trump, meeting him early at his residence in Trump Tower, traveling in his motorcade to the State Supreme Court building in lower Manhattan and then attending the trial.
My takeaway, Michael Cohen, already a total fraud, liar and convicted felon, went a step further in admitting under oath that he had stolen $30,000 from the Trump Organization while under retainer to do legal work.
How a trial can be conducted with Cohen as the key witness is a mystery to me, and I suspect most of America.
Having seen it in person, it is quite evident that the judge is doing what he can to assist the prosecution. At the beginning of the day, he stopped the defense from calling an expert on federal election law (a former FEC Commissioner) as a witness so the jury could better understand some of the points that had previously been made. Additionally, the judge who has no experience in federal election law, indicated that he would cover this area when he charged the jury.
Later in the day, the judge constantly sustained objections of Alvin Bragg’s legal team against the testimony of Attorney Robert Costello, a former federal prosecutor and a partner in Davidoff Hutcher & Citron. Costello was called by the defense to dispute many of the claims made by Cohen. From my layman’s perspective, the questions seemed reasonable and the judge’s actions prejudicial.
I was with a group of about a dozen individuals that included several members of Congress, the South Carolina Attorney General, Attorney Alan Dershowitz and Bernie Kerik.
Some of us attempted to conduct a press conference outside the court house only to have protestors do their best to shout us down. For what it’s worth, I had no intention of being silenced.
I did have an opportunity to speak several times with the President, who despite the pressures of the trial, was very focused on being elected President. He wished for me to express his gratitude for all the Conservative Party has done for him. He also strongly believes New York is in play and intends to work hard to win our state.
Best regards,
Jerry Kassar – Chairman
New York State Conservative Party
JAMES APPEALS COURT REJECTION OF PARENTS REPLACEMENT ACT
The big news this week in New York State was the win in the State Supreme Court in Livingston County halting Hochul and the Progressive Democrats’ attempt to change the State Constitution. If successfully appealed, it would negatively impact parents rights and a variety of longtime protected areas, such as gender identity requiring biological men and women entry into cross gender competition. The Conservative Party has been immensely vocal in our opposition to the amendment.
Ironically, the decision was based on the failure of the Democrats to follow the State Constitution’s stipulation that the legislature could not act on any constitutional amendment until they had a written opinion from the State Attorney General.
The Democratically controlled Senate and Assembly, totally focused on legal abortion being pushed back to the States, threw the law to the wind looking to codify abortion in the State Constitution using the opportunity to add countless unrelated categories into the change.
The Judge, clearly wanting to issue a belts and suspenders decision, wrote a 32-page document which in any fair judicial system should be the end of it. In fact, the initial response from the Legislature and AG was this is the way we always did it. You do not need to be a legal scholar to know ignorance of the law is never a good reason to violate the law.
In short, the Governor and her left-wing cronies simply got caught.
Early this week the Attorney General appealed to the 4th Department in Rochester. The case will be heard shortly. All the reasoning and arguments are on our side. Yet in New York State, in which the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals voted to give Elephants human rights, nothing is safe or sacred.
Assemblywoman Marjorie Bynes brought the action and the case was argued for our side by noted attorneys Bobbie Anne Cox and Chris Browne.
I joined tens of thousands of President Trump supporters on a beach in Wildwoods, NJ last Saturday to rally for his re-election to the Presidency. Organized by local GOP Congressman Jeff Van Drew, it was said to be the largest political rally in New Jersey history. I can believe it, considering it was literally a sea of people.
I had been an invited guest, seated up front with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Congress Members Chris Smith, Nicole Malliotakis and Jeff Van Drew nearby. I had made the two-and-a-half-hour drive to the event with Congresswoman Malliotakis, who accompanied the President to court this past Monday.
President Trump arrived late, threw away his notes, and then spoke for an hour and a half. He was funny, articulate, but most all, for those who listened closely, quite substantive.
That is what I found most interesting; mingled in the jokes and political commentary was international affairs, the economy, illegal immigration, energy policy, public safety, the environment and so on. The media’s focus is always on everything other than what he hopes to accomplish as President.
I suppose that has been the way it has been since the beginning for Donald Trump. Many of us look at his four years as a great success from the perspective of accomplishments. Others want to focus on his tweets and style.
Soon all Americans will need to choose. Although, I consider it an easy choice.
PATRIOT’S PODIUM PODCAST FEATURING TONY CASALE
Patriots Podium episode #24 featuring Anthony Casale, the A Republican Commissioner of the NYS Board of Elections is available now! Tony has been a long-time friend and has an extensive background in government and public affairs having served as a Republican/Conservative member of the State Assembly, Chairman of the NYS Liquor Authority, and Vice President of Government Relations at Lynn University. This is a very informative podcast covering an array of material such as even-year election law, early voting, mail-in voting, the need for ID to vote, and the ins and outs of what goes on at the Board of Elections. I encourage you to give it a listen, as this information will be helpful on the campaign trails for November!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
May 14, 2024
Statement by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on Parent Replacement Act
“The New York State Conservative Party strongly urges the New York State Appellate Division, 4th Department, to reject Attorney General Letitia James’s appeal of a recent State Supreme Court decision that invalidated a ballot provision colloquially known as ‘The Parent Replacement Act.’
“The lower court correctly ruled that Proposition One was pushed forward by Governor Kathy Hochul and her ‘progressive’ colleagues in an unconstitutional manner. That decision should stand.
“The Parent Replacement Act would be a nightmare for New York parents and for female athletes. It would grant biological males the constitutional right to compete in womens and girls sports in the state, and it would ban parents from knowing if a child is undergoing gender transition procedures at school. Reckless language in the amendment would bizarrely grant constitutional protections to discrimination itself — if that discrimination is conducted in the name of anti-discrimination. Try to make sense of that!
“Albany’s social engineers are moving ahead at full steam, despite the clear will of New Yorkers, 66% of whom want girls and womens sports protected. New York voters must remember that on November 5th.”
