Author: Gerard Kassar

Chairman Kassar’s Weekly Wrap Up 2-16-24

Presidents Day Tribute

On this Presidents Day weekend, the New York State Conservative Party proudly honors the legacy of our nation’s remarkable leaders who have embodied the principles of conservatism and shaped the course of American history. From the visionary leadership of George Washington to the resolute determination of Abraham Lincoln, and the unwavering optimism of Ronald Reagan, each president has left a positive mark on our nation’s journey.

As conservatives, we draw inspiration from the historic figures who have championed the values of limited government, individual liberty, and fiscal responsibility. President Ronald Reagan, in particular, stands as a towering figure in the conservative movement. His commitment to free-market principles, tax cuts, and a strong national defense revitalized our economy and restored America’s confidence on the world stage. Something we are severely lacking today in our current President.

Just four days ago, we celebrated the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, whose leadership during one of our nation’s darkest periods exemplified the timeless principles of conservatism. Lincoln’s unwavering resolve to preserve the Union and abolish slavery serves as a testament to the enduring values of freedom that define our nation.

As we reflect on the legacies of these conservative stalwarts, and others, let us rededicate ourselves to upholding the principles they fought so tirelessly to defend. Let us unite in the spirit of optimism and determination that guided President Reagan and the resolve that defined President Lincoln. Together, let us work towards a future guided by the ideals our founding fathers laid in the Constitution.

In the words of President Reagan, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Let’s honor the sacrifices of our past presidents by preserving and advancing the conservative values that have made America the greatest nation on earth.

Have a great Presidents Day weekend!

CPPAC

I hope all that came to this year’s CPPAC had a great time! Not everything is out quite yet, but we do have photos from our award dinner that can be viewed here. Congratulations to the twelve Legislators who received awards! If you couldn’t make it this year, mark your calendars for the beginning of February next year.

I was grateful to see so many conservatives gathered in one place for a truly meaningful and educational two days in Albany. With so many great speakers and attendees, I was honored to give this year’s opening remarks. It is my pleasure to serve as the Conservative Party’s State Chairman and I look forward to more years of victory and growth. You can view my opening address here:

In the coming days, be on the lookout for more videos, photos, and more on our social media sites and YouTube page.

Chairman Kassar’s Weekly Wrap Up 2/9/24

Successful CPPAC

The 56th annual Conservative Party’s Political Action Conference (CPPAC) event was an exceptional two-day gathering that brought together esteemed speakers and passionate attendees to discuss pressing issues facing New York State and the nation as a whole.

I just wanted to take a moment and thank everybody who showed their support for our event. It was great meeting with like minded conservatives, legislators, committee members and candidates from across the State in the heart of Albany. 

Joe Pinion, a former U.S. Senate Candidate and Newsmax Host, captivated the audience with his address on “Renewing the American Dream for a New Generation,” inspiring hope and optimism for the future. Throughout the day, attendees were treated to a diverse array of topics, including understanding the mindset of today’s independent voter, defeating the New York State so called “Equal Rights Amendment,” understanding the scope of the migrant crisis and surveying the legislative landscape for 2024. In addition, attendees had an opportunity to attend informative breakout sessions to help them activate absentee voters, and how to operate a Committee to its fullest. 

On her birthday, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Co-Chair of the Election Integrity Caucus, wrapped up Sunday night with a remarkable speech on securing the vote. 

Pictures are starting to trickle out on our social media, but be on the lookout for more pictures, live recordings, and much more coming out soon! We will send a note out when everything is finalized for your viewing. You can view what has been released thus far here:

Reapportionment Press Conference

The second day of the conference was equally compelling, starting with a breakfast buffet followed by a thought-provoking presentation by NYC Councilman Kalman Yeger on “The Alarming Rise of Antisemitism in Israel’s Greatest Ally.” From discussions on property rights to America’s ties with Taiwan, the event delved into crucial issues shaping the political landscape. 

Notable speakers such as John Fund, Ryan Girdusky, and Brianna Lyman offered valuable insights into the changing media landscape and its implications for society. The event concluded with a press conference featuring myself, Lee Zeldin, State Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt, and Bobbie Anne Cox highlighting the importance of reapportionment of congressional districts. You can view the press conference here. Our point is simple, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. The lines should stay exactly the same. Interesting to note, the Democrats argument is not that the congressional lines are “unfair, or gerrymandered” but rather the process behind it was faulty. I’m sure if the Democrats picked up more seats in 2022, we would not be dealing with this today. It is a partisan game that will ultimately cost the average taxpayer to cover the bill. 

Shortly after the press conference, we gathered for lunch to listen to our keynote speaker, David Keene. Mr. Keene spoke tremendously and received a standing ovation from all attendees. He was very personable, and was willing to speak with anyone. The speech was recorded, and when it’s available, I highly recommend you take a look. 

The Annual Award Dinner provided a fitting finale, celebrating the dedication and contributions of individuals committed to conservative values with keynote speaker Lee Zeldin. Overall, the CPPAC 2024 event was a resounding success, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and a renewed sense of purpose among conservative leaders and activists.

Special Congratulations to our twelve recipients of our highest legislative ratings: Senator Mario Mattera, Senator Steven Rhoads, Assemblyman Joe Angelino, Assemblyman Ari Brown, Assemblyman David DiPietro, Assemblyman John Lemondes, Assemblyman Brian Manktelow, Assemblyman John Mikulin, Assemblyman Philip Palmesano, Assemblyman Doug Smith, Assemblyman Robert Smullen, and Assemblyman Chris Tague.

25th Amendment Time

Yesterday, President Biden decided to finally address the nation during a press conference regarding his mental state. Lets just say, this went as well as you would expect. Not only was it disgraceful, but it is a continued embarrassment to our country. To anyone, right or left leaning, it is abundantly clear that President Biden is unfit to serve in his current capacity; let alone four more years and eleven more months.

In addition, Special Counsel Robert Hur released a report on his findings regarding Biden’s handling of classified documents. To no one’s surprise, he will not be charged. However, essentially, the report found Biden to be so severely mentally compromised, that there was no way a jury would convict an elderly man with memory issues. Diving further into the report, it was “observed that the 81-year-old commander-in-chief was greatly diminished mentally, forgetting the dates of key events of his life during an interview with investigators.” It’s sad to see, but the report even detailed President Biden not knowing when his son passed away. The question now is, who are the Democrats going to run in 2024? At this rate, it certainly won’t be Biden.

*MEDIA ADVISORY*-56th Annual CPPAC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

56th Annual CPPAC on Sunday and Monday in Albany

THE TWO-DAY, 56TH ANNUAL CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF NEW YORK POLITICAL ACTION CONFERENCE — CPPAC — WILL KICK OFF ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH AT 12 NOON AT  THE ALBANY HILTON AT 40 LODGE STREET IN ALBANY.

STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR WILL BE JOINED AT THE CONFERENCE BY DOZENS OF PROMINENT CONSERVATIVE SPEAKERS AND LUMINARIES.

THE FULL 2024 CPPAC AGENDA FOLLOWS.

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Press Schedule CPPAC

Chairman Kassar’s Weekly Wrap-Up 2/2/24

OUR POLITICAL ACTION CONFERENCE BEGINS SUNDAY

Conservative activists from all corners of the state will be gathering in Albany this weekend to enjoy speakers and panels on a wide range of topics. You can view the tentative schedule here. In addition to the speakers, there will be a breakfast, two receptions, a lunch with David Keene as the keynote speaker, and an awards dinner. At the dinner, we re-release our legislative agenda for 2024 and present top-rated legislators with an award for their strong conservative voting record.

Myself, Lee Zeldin, Senator Rob Ortt, and Bobbie Ann Cox will be conducting a noon press conference on Monday regarding Congressional reapportionment. We will provide the most up-to-date information on the madness encompassing Democrats’ attempt to gerrymander Congressional lines.

There will be many Legislators and candidates at the events, including those seeking to run for United States Senate, Congress, State Assembly, State Senate, etc.

It is not too late to register, you can buy a ticket now here. The entire package is just $200. Attendance at various parts of the conference is equally inexpensive. We even have a student rate running at only $25!

It will be a great event and I hope to see you over the weekend!

GROUP OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ASSAULT NYPD OFFICERS

It is likely you saw the video, but if you haven’t you can view it here. As much as it shows the horror of a group of illegal aliens attacking two police officers simply asking the loitering group to move on, sadly there is more to the story. The Manhattan DA, Alvin Bragg, did not ask for bail despite the flawed cashless bail law giving him the authority to do such when a violent crime is committed. Additionally, the City and State’s refusal to work with ICE made it impossible for the federal agency to begin the deportation process.

As you would expect, the NYPD and many others have been extremely critical of what happened almost a week ago at Times Square and subsequently in the Manhattan DA’s office.

Beyond our position that these illegal aliens should not be here in the first place; the Conservative Party strongly supports their deportation now.

I did an interview on ABC Radio with Dominic Carter a few days ago where we went into detail and reviewed the tragic attack. You can listen to it here.

BIDEN TRUMPED

Every poll shows Joe Biden is sinking. He is unfavorably viewed by a significant number of Americans across the board. When viewed by issue area, fewer and fewer Americans believe he is capable of doing the job as President. He loses, or is within the margin of error of losing in key battleground states.

President Trump exceeded expectations in New Hampshire with one exception, all opposition has withdrawn. GOP polling for the former President, in state, indicates very strong support among the base.

Conservative Party County organizations continue to endorse him with the growing number at twelve. Voters across the State and Country are eager to vote Joe Biden out of office this November!

Statement From NYS Conservative Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2024
Contact: Bill O'Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com

NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY RELEASES 2024 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM

Brooklyn, NY…The New York State Conservative Party today released its 2024 Legislative Program and priorities which call for, among other things, lowering spending and taxes, abolishing cashless bail, ending sanctuary cities, supporting parental rights, and preserving existing, court-ordered legislative boundaries.

The Conservative Party publicly submits its agenda each year to make clear its positions and priorities for the annual legislative session in Albany. A link to the complete 2024 Legislative Program is available here.

“The Conservative Party has never been ambiguous about its beliefs,” said State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar. “This party stands for personal freedoms, constitutional rights, free and fair markets, public safety, and, above all, limited government. In every one of those categories, Governor Hochul’s New York has failed.  Under this governor, and single-party Democrat rule, New York is more expensive, less safe, uncompetitive, and far less free. Is it any wonder that more than 1.3 million people — more than six percent of the population — have left this state under the last two Democrat governors alone?”

Priorities for the 2024 legislative session include:

  • Preserving legally drawn congressional and state senate lines from 2022;

  • Ending sanctuary cities and prohibiting non-citizen voting;

  • Requiring all law enforcement agencies to hold any person in our state illegally for federal law enforcement officials;

  • Repealing so-called criminal justice reforms that have brought crime and chaos into our communities;

  • Safeguarding the rights of citizens to use natural gas in their homes and in new construction;

  • Repealing same-day voting to preserve the integrity of elections;

  • Restoring the right of parents to decide what’s best for their children in schools;

  • Repealing the regressive Congestion Pricing Tax;

  • Establishing term limits for state elected office holders;

  • Passing a Constitutional Amendment establishing Initiative and Referendum and Recall;

  • Prohibiting the use of tax dollars to prevent or end a pregnancy;

  • Fully funding and supporting law enforcement and restoring effective crime-fighting techniques;

  • Protecting home-rule status for local zoning laws;

  • Defeating the so-called Equal Rights ballot amendment that will strip away parental rights;

  • Supporting the Supreme Court’s “concealed carry” guarantee;

  • Opposing any personal income tax increases and efforts to reinstate a stock transfer tax;

  • Adopting a Constitutional Amendment that would require that the NYS Budget be strictly limited to budget items and not programs;

  • Opposing assisted-suicide and supporting palliative care for terminally ill patients;

  • Ending so-called “safe injection sites” and opposing the recreational use of all drugs, including psychedelic/hallucinogenic mushrooms.

  • Abolishing the divisive Reparations Commission;

  • Prohibiting unelected bureaucrats and commissions from making state laws;

  • Classifying all Emergency Medical Services an essential service;

  • Allowing school districts to have armed personnel and to provide proper firearm training for them;

  • Ending “free” college tuition and opposing efforts to forgive student loans, and

  • Making all higher education available on-line to reduce exorbitant college costs.

“Under this governor and Democrat-led legislature, New Yorkers are reeling from taxes, crime, illegal immigration, government corruption, and a dearth of good-paying jobs,” Mr. Kassar continued. “But things don’t have to remain this way. With proper, common-sense leadership, rather than unchecked progressivism, New York could thrive again. It will be up to the voters in November to begin taking their state back.”

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Chairman Kassar’s Weekly Wrap Up 1/19/24

HOCHUL’S NYS BUDGET

You know you are in trouble when your Governor’s budget address is complimented for not being as bad as previous budgets or those of Governor Cuomo whom she played second fiddle to as his Lieutenant.

It’s real big at $233 billion, in fact, the biggest ever. It continues to spend billions on migrant issues ranging from added security, to housing, and items such as health and education; as she hopes that the flow of illegal migrants, that she and Adams welcomed, slows. It is balanced through shifts in spending, use of a rainy day fund to cover the storm the Democrats created, kicking the can down the road in some cases, and assumptions in revenue and federal aid that likely will not be realized. She offers the taxpayers of the second highest taxed state per capita in the nation the hallow good news that she will not raise Personal Income Taxes again. And she continues expensive, unrealistic, and unpopular environmental programs that will continue to drive businesses and residents to other states.

She acknowledges NYS has a public safety problem that can be attributed to bad laws. She offers no legislative approach to reversing them. Her comments on the shoplifting crisis were as credible as stopping a broken pipe with a band-aid. After failure and criticism of last year’s budget, her approach hopes to gather support by being a bad budget, instead of a very bad budget.

It is not going to change the systemic problems facing New York State. Worse yet, as a starting document it will be shredded by lobbyists, and the State Legislature looking to continue their dominance of all aspects of New York State government, since her monumental losses last year during the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals nominating process and budget negotiations.

Read my statement here:

TRUMP’S WIN

Say what you want, but President Trump fully met expectations in a decisive win in Iowa. We are close to the point in which all candidates should unite behind a single candidate to allow a focus on defeating Joe Biden, taking control of the US Senate, and holding the house.

The State Conservative Party has not made an endorsement in the election for President, but endorsements from our county organizations continue to move forward with Orange, and the Bronx, most recently endorsing President Trump.

Several Conservative Party endorsed Members of Congress including Nick Langworthy, Claudia Tenney and of course Elise Stefanik, have formally come out for Trump. Others like Nicole Malliotakis have expressed support for Trump with endorsements expected in the upcoming weeks.

Elise Stefanik has received extensive media coverage for being on a short list for Vice President. Former Congressman Lee Zeldin is reported to have undergone special media training as he too is being considered. I will keep you posted on the matter.

ALBANY CONFERENCE

Just a reminder, our 56th Annual Conservative Party Political Action Conference is quickly approaching this February 4th, and 5th at the Albany Hilton Hotel! We have a fantastic event planned with an array of speakers, legislators, break-out sessions, receptions, and conservative activists…ALL for the low price of $200.

Beginning Sunday, February 4th, I will kick off the day with welcome remarks at 12:15, followed by our first speaker, Joe Pinion. Joe, as a youthful conservative, will be discussing “renewing the American dream for a new generation.”  We will be joined by John McLaughlin, who will be discussing how to get in the head of today’s independent voter, political strategy, and much more. Shortly after, given horrific current events, we will be hosting a panel on “The Alarming Rise of Antisemitism in Israel’s Greatest Ally.” We will also have expert commentators on the topics of property rights, and the overwhelming migrant crisis that will be announced in the coming days.

In addition to great speakers, we are lucky enough to have informative breakout sessions throughout the day such as activating your absentee voters, potential pitfalls of operating a party, and much more!

Sunday evening, we will discuss election integrity and “Securing the Vote” with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. Followed by our Legislative Reception at 6:00 pm featuring members of New York’s Congressional and State Legislative Delegation. If you are interested in keeping the party going, you can attend our after-hour events starting at 8:00 pm and enjoy a cigar, or a drink with like-minded individuals.

The next day, February 5th, we will start our day off with a breakfast buffet, followed by a session on what New Yorkers can expect in 2024. You can also expect to have an expert panel on America’s ties to Taiwan, and US/the Republic of China relations. If you are interested in media, we have a fantastic session called “Mediating Relationships with Modern Media” featuring Ryan Girdursky, Elizabeth Benjamin, and John Fund who are all well-known in the media world. We are also grateful to be joined by Matt Valliere, the Executive Director of Parents Rights Action Fund to discuss the inhumane and inherent dangers of assisted suicide.

Around 12:00 pm Monday, Lee Zeldin will be joining us for a press conference regarding Congressional Reapportionment. As the situation is developing, Lee will give us the most updated information on the matter.

At 12:30 pm on Monday, we will kick off our luncheon with our keynote speaker, David Keene.

At 6:00 pm Monday, we will host our 2024 Reception and award dinner, which will truly be a great evening. You won’t want to miss this event. You can purchase your ticket here, or print a registration form to mail in.

In 2024, we are choosing a U.S. Senator, deciding upon members of our congressional delegation, selecting state legislators, and weighing in on a proposed constitutional amendment. It is imperative to the future of our great nation and the stability of our state that voters choose well.

Statement From NYS Conservative Party – Budget Proposal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
January 16, 2024

New York State Conservative Party: Hochul Fantasy Accounting Won’t Save Sinking Ship 

Brooklyn-NY…“Governor Kathy Hochul follows up her ‘Save Our Ship’ State of the State message with a budget proposal based on fantasy accounting and fiscal trickery. Where discipline is required, Mrs. Hochul kicks the can down the road, just like her Democratic predecessors. This monstrous $233 billion budget plan does nothing to reduce medicaid costs or debt, which continue to grow at alarming rates.

“Mrs. Hochul is doing nothing to make life easier for 20 million overtaxed New Yorkers who will continue to pay the second highest taxes in America. She boasts that she’s not raising the personal income tax, but never seems to consider that taxes can be reduced. Governor George Pataki, in contrast, passed a 25% decrease in the personal tax rate in his first year in office.

“What may be most egregious is the $2.4 billion in taxpayer funds that Mrs. Hochul plans to spend on migrant services, while New Yorkers struggle with every imaginable hike in food, housing, gas, and other cost of living increases. Meanwhile, the Governor is setting aside $100 million in tax dollars to pay for political campaigns. It is any wonder why 100,000 New Yorkers left the state last year — in addition to the more than 1.2 million who have fled New York under the past two Democrat governors alone.

“At every turn, Mrs. Hochul takes the ‘easy’ way out, meaning New York will continue on its trajectory toward insolvency. The people of this state deserve better.” — Gerard Kassar, Chairman, New York State Conservative Party

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Chairman Kassar’s Weekly Wrap Up 1/12/24

STATE OF THE STATE

Should we give Governor Hochul credit for finally admitting that Democratic controlled Albany has created a state that has growing financial woes, serious issues with crime, and an open-door policy for illegal immigrants that is harming the quality of life for millions of New Yorkers?

I do not think so. Hochul has been either Governor, or Lt Governor for more than twelve years. The Democrats have controlled either most of the Albany wheels, or all of it since 2007.

Out-migration has been consistent year-over-year for more than a decade. The out-migration in the past two years has been 1.2 million, an unprecedented number. Of course, hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants have arrived with no jobs, no place to live, and in many cases, no desire to live, or assimilate in New York.

This is anything other than a one-for-one trade. The dots do connect, and no one should need to draw Hochul a picture to understand.

In my years of observing the Governor’s State of the State addresses, Governor Hochul presented a clueless summary of a state that is rudderless; a ship that she is the captain of.

These annual messages usually have a thematic approach such as Governor Carey’s, “The Days of Wine and Roses are Behind Us.” Instead, we received a dull, biased speech, littered with false pretenses. I have dubbed this State of the State a true SOS message. You can read our press release here:

THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE

Any state legislator who supports keeping a leading candidate for President off his Party’s primary ballot is a traitor to basic American principles of American Democracy. It is that simple.

You do not need to be for, or against former President Trump to know this to be true. Frankly, if I were the Democrats, I would be very concerned that the same hollow arguments could be used to keep Joe Biden off the ballot.

I am confident that the Supreme Court in the next few weeks will decide in favor of the Constitution and in favor of Democracy, by siding with Donald Trump against these amazingly partisan efforts to keep him off the ballots.

What do the Democrats have to fear – the public?

PATRIOTS PODIUM FEATURING ASSEMBLYMAN BEEPHAN

As we kick off 2024 with our 17th bi-weekly episode of Patriots Podium, we are thrilled to continue to bring you insightful discussions with key figures shaping the conservative landscape. We are not even two weeks into the New Year, and Democrats have wasted no time in continuing their efforts to destroy New York. Therefore, we must double our efforts to fight back against their partisan politics with a common sense approach. Our podcast covers recent events, current hot topics, and insider information you can only find here.

For this week’s episode, we had a rising star in Albany join us. One who has a high legislative rating of 84% – Assemblyman Anil Beephan, also known as AJ, representing the 105th Assembly District in Dutchess County. AJ is a young, energetic, Republican/Conservative Assemblymember, representing the ideals that resonate with the next generation of conservatives. I was honored to have him share his insights on a myriad of topics, such as immigration, reapportionment, and provide our listeners with a firsthand look into the abysmal 2024 State of the State Address.

You can watch this week’s episode on any of the links below! Please give us a like, subscribe, and share!

YouTube                     BuzzSprout                 Apple Music                Spotify

Statement From NYS Conservative Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
January 9, 2024

New York State  Conservative Party: State of the State an SOS Call from a Sinking Ship

Brooklyn-NY…“The State of the State acronym — SOS — is a perfect fitting for Governor Kathy Hochul’s annual address this afternoon. Under her administration New York is rudderless, overladen, and drifting into dangerous shoals. Sound the alarm bells, indeed.

“New York has lost more than 1.2 million residents to other states in recent years, and there’s no doubt why: Under one-party Democrat rule the state has become unaffordable, dangerous, and chaotic. Families are already struggling to put food on the table and Mrs. Hochul keeps raising spending, taxes, fees, and tolls. Naive criminal justice ‘reforms’ that let criminals off the hook have led to rampant unlawfulness, and pie-in-the-sky progressive policies like sanctuary cities have delivered budget-busting migrant chaos in cities and towns across the state. But Mrs. Hochul’s State of the State address today will likely show that there is still more damage the Democrats can inflict on us.

“The pace of New Yorkers fleeing this state is accelerating, yet the Democrats never seem to ask ‘why?’ Instead they create bad new policies to help bandaid over old failed policies, and New Yorkers are stuck paying the bill.  Do Mrs. Hochul and her Democrat colleagues in the Senate and Assembly really not notice the U-Haul trucks heading south? Do they ask why so many state retirement checks are being sent to Florida? And will they ever notice that cities in states without onerous regulations have better and more available housing stock than New York? These questions are sadly rhetorical in a state captured by ‘progressivism’.

“Governor Hochul’s message today will not right this ship. Her suggested policies will only bail water from one that is sinking, when a complete overhaul is required.” — Gerard Kassar, Chairman, New York State Conservative Party

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Chairman Kassar’s Weekly Wrap-Up 1/5/24

REAPPORTIONMENT

With the new year, the process to redo NYS Congressional lines – resulting from a highly partisan and likely corrupt actions by the Governor and Court of Appeals – starts anew.

The Independent Redistricting Commission, that is equally divided between Republican/Conservatives and Democratic Commissioners, is under a mandate from the NYS Court of Appeals to submit a new Congressional map by the end of February. The Court of Appeals wrongly concluded that the current lines were only good for one term. The unconstitutional gerrymander of the original lines created by the Legislature stands as well as the arguments that the countless submissions reviewed by the appointed special expert master, as well as his own knowledge of the process, resulted in the current map.

The Party’s position is simple. The Commission should resubmit the heavily reviewed, and current Congressional map. There is no logical argument, beyond raw politics, that can overcome the reality that the current map created many fair battles with a Democratic/GOP ratio that closely resembles state voting behavior.

This agreed-upon plan should be passed by the Legislature.  This will satisfy the court and is eminently fair to voters.

The GOP/Conservative Commissioners have expressed support for keeping the maps the same.

A not-for-profit group entitled “Stop NY Corruption” has organized to further educate the public on the importance of keeping the current Congressional maps. Expensive, time-consuming, confusing, and completely unnecessary. Changing the current Congressional lines can help only one special interest group – the Democratic House Minority.

THE 2024 SESSION BEGINS

This past week, I traveled to Albany per invitations from Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay and Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt to attend the annual opening events their caucuses host. I was pleased to cross paths with many of our party leaders who also made the trip.

I visited with many of our endorsed Assemblymembers, and State Senators, who are eager to rejoin the fight in Albany against the gigantic illegal migrant influx, deepening budget deficits, environmental policies that are being rejected by the private sector, the anti-parental control movement, and election changes designed to suppress the opposition.

Next week the Governor will give her State of the State Address, followed two weeks later by her budget message. I do not need to read or hear the State of the State to know that she is addressing hundreds of thousands of fewer New Yorkers. The many thousands who have abandoned our State due to unchecked Democratic policies.

CPPAC

We are officially one month away from our 56th Annual Conservative Party Political Action Conference in the heart of Albany NY! We have a fantastic event planned, with an array of speakers, legislators, and conservative activists. Just to name a few, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney will be addressing attendees Sunday, February 4th, on the topic of “Securing the Vote”. As Co-Chair of the Election Integrity Caucus, she will bring immense knowledge that will help prepare us for the 2024 Presidential election year. The next day, February 5th, we are pleased to be joined by our keynote speaker, David Keene. Mr. Keene is a trusted adviser to presidents, a longtime champion of personal liberty and one of conservatism’s most respected voices. He is the former opinion editor of The Washington Times. An author, columnist and fixture on national television, Mr. Keene has championed conservative causes for decades while offering advice to Republican presidents and countless candidates. He additionally served as chairman of the American Conservative Union and president of the National Rifle Association.

In addition, you should also expect to see people like Lee Zeldin, Joe Pinion, John McLaughlin, our NY Congressmembers, and much more. You won’t want to miss this event. You can purchase your ticket here, or print a registration form to mail in.

In order to receive a discounted hotel room for lodging, please book by Wednesday, January 10, 2024 and provide the Conservative Party’s “3CPNYS” registration code when calling the Hilton at 1-866-691-1183. Alternatively, you can make a hotel reservation online here:

In 2024, we are choosing a U.S. Senator, deciding upon members of our congressional delegation, selecting state legislators, and weighing in on a proposed constitutional amendment. It is imperative to the future of our great nation and the stability of our state that voters choose well.

Chairman Kassar’s Weekly Wrap Up- Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

In 2023, we enjoyed many great victories, but not without some setbacks; overall, it was a mixed year.  We are once again burdened with the Democratic super majority in the State Legislature, a highly partisan Governor and the growing dominance of radical Democrats. The failure to break a Democratic super majority in the State Senate was critical in the Democratic Party’s ability to revisit the congressional reapportionment. You can read my full press release on reapportionment here

The highly partisan nature of Governor Hochul and the Democratically-controlled legislature has resulted in a Court of Appeals that is mostly focused on doing the Democratic Party’s bidding.  We can no longer count on that court to give us a fair shake.  Our victories must come at the ballot box, a place in which I believe the Conservative Party is well-equipped to fight.

We will continue to litigate, particularly in matters that involve absentee ballots, early voting by mail, and changes in the election year for local offices outside of cities from off years – to even years. The ballot box is our best hope, but the lower courts, despite the highly partisan nature of the Court of Appeals, do remain a necessary spoke in our efforts to spread our conservative philosophy and counter Democratic Party efforts to silence our voice.

As much as we accurately claim that each election year is of great importance, 2024 truly is the most important election in decades.  The presidency, control of the congress, much needed advances in the state legislature are necessary to protect our way of life.

Hochul, Biden, Jeffries and democratic leaders in the State Legislature are actively working to change the America that we have known, and in doing so eliminating vocal political opposition. 

I remain confident in the “American Experiment” with faith in the American people, and New Yorkers in particular. The American people, have long appreciated the unique nature of our government, its protections of liberty, and individual rights. It’s unfortunate that leaders like President Biden and Governor Hochul have pushed so hard against basic American beliefs and principles. The Conservative Party has been, and will continue to be, a buttress against those who wish to infringe on our way of life. 

I wish you a safe and Happy New Year, and urge you to recommit yourself to the importance of participating in the great American experience, established by our founding fathers, implanted in our Constitution, and Bill of Rights. 

Happy New Year!

Statement From NYS Conservative Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
December 23, 2023

Statement on Gov. Hochul’s Tammany Hall Plot to Bury Local Elections by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

Brooklyn-NY…”Governor Kathy Hochul is every bit the Tammany Hall politician that New Yorkers of good will hoped to never see again. Her relentless attacks on our electoral system are blatantly partisan, designed only to benefit the Democratic Party at the expense of all other New Yorkers. Mrs. Hochul, who narrowly avoided defeat in 2022, knows that by moving odd-year local elections to even years, she will be relegating otherwise prominent county and local races to the bottom of the ballot. These races will get almost zero press coverage in the shadow of larger federal and state races, and voters will be more likely to vote the party line in the absence of sufficient information.

“Governor Hochul’s cynicism seemingly knows no bounds. She is systematically rigging our election processes to the benefit of county Democratic Party operations and to the detriment of democracy itself.  The Conservative Party — and others who believe in free and fair elections — will see her in court again.

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