Conservative Party’s Day in Court

Next week, we have our first conference with the Judge and related parties regarding our complaint that the New York State Legislature and Governor exceeded their authority when the Legislature approved and the Governor signed into law legislation that extended universal absentee ballots through 2021.

The State Constitution outlines who is eligible and the process in which to obtain an absentee ballot.  Any change must be through the approval of a State Constitutional amendment by the voters on election day. If that is the will of the voters, then and only then, should it become law.

Check back for regular updates as it is certain there will be much to report as our complaint moves forward.

Party Leadership

 I am happy to announce at last Saturday’s meeting of the State Executive Committee, two longtime party leaders were promoted, and a longtime political activist in Central New York joined the committee.

Regional Vice Chairman Jim Thomas of Broome County was elevated to full Vice Chairman, Madison County Chairman Chris Kendall can now add Regional Vice Chairman to his impressive list of Party roles. Additionally, Tom Dadey, a former Vice Chairman of the State GOP and longtime Onondaga County GOP Chairman has joined the Conservative Party. He was elected to a position of State Executive Committee member.

The State Executive Committee of the Conservative Party makes policy for the Party when the State Committee is not in session.  It also issues authorizations of all multi-county candidates and recommendations to the State Committee for all statewide offices. The Committee creates our annual legislative platform as well as approves the bills that are used in our annual ratings.

Congratulations to all.

Cuomo Cashes in On Tragedy

 New York governors aren’t supposed to get rich from serving in office, but that’s exactly what Governor Andrew Cuomo got last year from his official duties —stinking rich — just as the Conservative Party has been saying for months.

The estimated $5.1 million that Cuomo received for his book, ‘American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic,’ is blood money: Cuomo and his cohorts in state government proactively concealed thousands of Covid-19 nursing home deaths as the book contract was being signed to further the myth that Cuomo was infallible in all things Covid-19. He was not, and early mistakes made by him should have been properly reported to the public, even if that would have killed the book deal.

This $5.1 payment represents a sickening abuse of power. How Cuomo can keep even a dime of the money is beyond us.

Governor Cuomo is the American crisis as I discuss here

Have you sent in your RSVP to our upcoming Spring Reception this Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at the ’76 House in Tappan, NY?  This is the first time since COVID-19 hit that we have been able to gather with our supporters and friends and I truly hope I will see you there.  For more information click here.

Legal Conservatism’s Moment of Truth: Abortion Returns to the Supreme Court.

Biden’s ‘America Last’ Ideas Crushed The Working Class In Just 100 Days.

Poynter Institute blasts CNN’s Chris Cuomo for ‘crossing a journalistic line’ with advice to embattled brother.

Biden WH: Russian pipeline, good … America’s Keystone, bad

Democrats Refuse to Accept Reality

Crime continues to skyrocket across New York City as Democrats continue to ignore their fatal decision making that led to the surge in violence.

In 2020, murder in New York City saw an alarming increase. The tension and danger could be felt on the streets. Now, in 2021, those numbers are once again rising causing the city to feel more like 1991, not the safest big city as Mayor de Blasio touts. As of May 9^th, 2021 murders have increased by 27%, shooting victims by 83.6%, shooting incidents by 86.4%, and hate crimes by 68.9%.

These numbers are worrisome at any point in time, but even more as the numbers increased during the winter months and during a quarantine. We experienced a cold, snowy winter which is usually a violent crime deterrent, but it seemed to offer no assistance this year.

Perhaps Mayor de Blasio, the New York City Council, and the Democratic State Legislature should stop passing the buck and own up to what has caused this disaster. It should come as no surprise that bail reform, defunding the police, postponing recruitment classes and stripping law enforcement of the ability to do their job has led to the situation we now have.

Daily, we open our local or city wide newspapers to see children, and other innocent bystanders, being struck by stray bullets, subway riders slashed in the face, or gang violence taking over our city streets. On Twitter we see our city and state representatives offering their condolences, but failing to admit fault. Some even point to the need for gun control, ignoring the fact New York City already adopted some of the most restrictive gun laws anywhere in this country.

I fear this city is on a collision course with financial and criminal ruin and sincerely hope the voters realize we have a chance to fix this, or continue to regress backwards to the days we thought were far behind us.

Hamas Attack on Israel

The terrorist organization Hamas launched an attack on Israel as they celebrated Jerusalem day on Monday in what has turned into a growing conflict by the Iranian backed terrorists and our biggest ally in the Middle East, Israel.

The United States must stand alongside our allies that are fighting terrorists and make it clear that our actions are predicated on an America first foundation.

Though many administrations both Republican and Democrat have worked to promote peace in the Middle East, none being more successful than President Trump, bad actors, such as Iran who funds Hamas, continue to be a clear and present threat to free people everywhere.

In just a week, the fighting has grown to resemble the 2014 “50 day war” and shows no sign of slowing down.

While our thoughts are with the innocent bystanders, we must work to cripple Hamas once and for all, sending a clear message terrorist organizations do not have a home anywhere in this world.

Elise Stefanik New Conference Chair

 I want to congratulate Elise Stefanik on being elected Chairwoman of the House Republican Conference this morning in a resounding victory.

This is exciting news for both Elise and New York State as she becomes only the second Conference leader from the state, the first being Congressman Jack Kemp.

As I said in February, Liz Cheney does not represent the 70,000,000 plus Americans who voted for Donald Trump in 2020. She has focused on harassing the former President and his supporters, who have carried down ticket Republicans to victory, instead of attacking the real problem at hand which is the Democrats dangerous socialist agenda.

Rep. Stefanik brings a new vision, one that is in touch with 2016 and 2020 voters, one that will look to grow and take the majority as opposed to damaging the party and keeping the gavel in Pelosi’s hand.

Elise is good for the Conference, and the New York Conservative Party. We look forward to her energized and thoughtful brand of leadership.

Pipeline Cyber Attack

A major east coast pipeline is now functioning again after being targeted by the largest infrastructure cyber-attack this country has seen.

Colonial Pipeline was shut down a week ago today after an attack was discovered against its computer system. The shutdown caused pain at the pump for consumers, many of whom had to wait in long lines for a fill up.

The pipeline that connects Texas to New Jersey is fully activated and receiving the shipments of fuel it needs to correct the week long crisis.

With the pipeline restored, it is now time to focus on the origin of the hack. It is becoming clear that this hack was carried out by the Russians and it is my sincere hope that the Biden Administration never forgets who wishes to hurt America and who our enemies really are.

‘That looks like a cover-up’: Senator Rand Paul slams Fauci for avoiding questions on Wuhan research

Gov. Cuomo says NY isn’t ready to follow federal advice on going maskless.

US pulls military personnel from Israel, urges Americans not to travel.

The Squad Is Rooting for Hamas.

Biden Administration Leaving Afghan Interpreters Behind

We are undoubtedly less safe today than we were on January 19, 2021, the day before the new administration was sworn in.

Since then, Chinese war planes have buzzed Taiwanese airspace raising tensions, Iran has published chilling images depicting the United States Capitol on fire, and Russia continues to inch closer towards the Ukraine.

Now, it appears we can add Afghanistan as the next nation we will have to keep a close eye on as President Biden prepares for a full withdrawal of U.S. forces.

This will surely lead to a re-emergence of the Taliban who has vowed retribution against Afghans who worked with Americans.

In 2006, Congress approved a special number of immigrant visas be provided for Afghani and Iraqi translators who are deemed at risk for their work with the United States. With the pullout of US troops pending, those who have provided much needed translation services will be put in grave risk.

Secretary of State Blinken has not committed to addressing the backlog or expediting the process in which the visas are processed leaving many concerned for their safety.

There is no excuse for this; the red tape holding up the special immigrant visa from the U.S. must be expedited to allow these brave Afghans to escape what will be a certain death once our troops have returned home.

Every American should be outraged that the Biden Administration encourages migrants to cross into America through our southern border looking for America’s generosity, yet, has not opened America’s doors to welcome the Afghanistan interpreters who assisted our military men and women throughout the last two decades.

Stefanik Looks to enter Leadership

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik appears to have accumulated the support needed to be named the next Chair of the House Republican Conference currently held by never Trumper Liz Cheney of Wyoming, including the support of former President Trump himself.

Rep. Cheney, who is believed to have White House or cabinet aspirations heading in 2024, continues to push her personal vendetta against former President Trump in an unacceptable manor proving she is out of touch with the more than 70 million citizens that voted for him. Her inability to put her feelings aside and work on behalf of the overwhelming number of Republicans who support Trump and his policies make her unable to serve as the Conference Chair.

The job of the Conference Chair is to message to Republican voters while setting and supporting the legislative agenda Conservatives and Republicans alike wish to see set into action.  Congresswoman Stefanik is aligned with President Trump which makes her aligned with the base that supported him.

Stefanik has been a steadfast supporter of the President and has worked tirelessly to elect more women to Congress. In fact, she has made it a priority of hers and to say she has been successful is an understatement.

Stefanik has proven she can be a leader in both Washington D.C. and New York State where she provided much needed assistance to the winning campaigns of Claudia Tenney and Nicole Malliotakis.

In 2014, the Conservative Party was proud to endorse Stefanik over her GOP primary opponent and we remain proud to be supporters of Team Elise.

Zeldin Quickly Accumulating Conservative and GOP Support

 Lee Zeldin who is seeking the Conservative and GOP endorsements for Governor charged past a key statistic in both parties over the last week.

He now commands 57% of the Conservative Party weighted State Committee vote based on the many County endorsements he has received. Meanwhile, he holds 56% of the statewide GOP weighted vote.

While both conventions are still many months away, it is clear that there is strong interest in the Zeldin campaign within the Conservative Party all over the state.

In another good sign of things to come, Zeldin is not only impressing the party faithful, he is also impressing donors with around $3 million raised thus far. His endorsements and early fundraising abilities have solidified his candidacy heading into the summer.

Jen Psaki admits she tells Biden ‘don’t take questions’

Governors Say Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Have Not Reached out During Border Crisis.

Texas and Arizona WATCH: Teachers’ union boss says widely debunked ‘1619 Project’ is a ‘factual version of oppression in America’

BLM Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors Has Funneled Business to Company Run By Father Of Her Only Child, Records Show

Biden Delivers First Address

 President Joe Biden delivered his speech to Congress and the Nation Wednesday night. It was the least watched address in recent memory failing to crack 27 million viewers.

Biden went months in office without holding a press conference, his address marks only the second time he has made public comments since taking the oath of office on January 20^th.

Americans are learning it is expensive for them when Biden talks as it is clear his priorities are massive tax hikes.  One specifically large increase is to the capital gains tax which would see New Yorker’s taxed at more than 50%.

“When you add in the state capital gains rate, you’re looking at a 54.3 percent top capital gains rate. New York City also has a separate local tax on capital gains. So you’re looking at about a 58.1 percent tax rate,” Garret Watson, a senior policy analysist with the Tax Foundation, said to NY1.

While Biden was eager to talk about a massive tax increase, he conveniently shied away from discussing the crisis at our southern border, refusing to acknowledge the humanitarian and national security crisis his administration has created.

Republican Senator Tim Scott delivered a thoughtful rebuttal to President Biden’s speech, but the liberal left has chosen to ignore Senator Scott’s unifying message in order to launch personal attacks based on race.

“Intolerance so often comes from the left with words like ‘Uncle Tim’ and the ‘n-word’ being used against me,” Scott said. “And last night what was trending in social media was ‘Uncle Tim,’ they doubled down on this concept of liberal oppression. It is stunning in 2021 that those who speak about ending discrimination want to end it by more discrimination” said Scott.

The Biden administration and its allies have shown no desire to do anything other than tax and spend on far-left, progressive programs while pursuing D.C. statehood, which passed the House on a party line vote, and packing the Supreme Court to ensure a Venezuelan style decline in America.

Cuomo’s Coverup

 Details on Governor Cuomo’s corrupt coverup continue to come to light as we learned this week that the Governor and his staff hid the true number of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes for nearly half a year.

Top aide to Cuomo, Melissa DeRosa, emailed New York State health officials admitting the administration was “anxious” in regard to the pending DOH nursing home report. The administration then worked to downplay their roll in admitting COVID-19 positive patients as they lied about the destruction stemming from that decision.

The DOH report stated the number of nursing home deaths was close to 10,000, far more than the administration had reported. Cuomo’s decision, the report found, ultimately led to 35% of the states total COVID-19 deaths.

While the Governor was involved in one coverup scheme, he also had a side hustle going. While thousands of New Yorker’s died in nursing homes, Cuomo lined his pockets. It is reported he enriched himself to the tune of $4 million dollars with his book, praising himself for his response to the pandemic.

The Governor was given a lucrative book contract because of his carefully constructed image as a leader in the early days of the pandemic. Had the real numbers been released, that image would have been shattered. Denials from his administration that the book had no relevance simply don’t pass the smell test.

By following the money, the truth is revealing itself.

New York to Lose Congressional Seat

New York’s decline in population will lead to yet another House of Representatives district disappearing thus leaving the state with less representation.

The aggressive tax and spend, progressive defund the police, and regressive public safety laws implemented by Mayor de Blasio, Governor Cuomo, and the Democratic State Legislature have led to an out migration pattern that is not soon to be addressed.

New York was once represented by 45 members in Congress.  Since 1952, that number has shrunk to 26. In fact, the only handful of years we did not see a decline in Congressional seats are the years that Governor George Pataki presided over the state.

The outmigration continues to plague New York, not only in the loss of revenue, but now the loss of representation in our nation’s Capital.

We now wait as district lines will be redrawn and announced sometime this coming fall. It is too early to speculate on exactly what the landscape will be later this year; but the census numbers have confirmed that our state is shrinking in population and influence while less taxed states continue to grow.

Spring Reception

  As a reminder we will be gathering in Tappan, New York on May 26^th for an in-person reception.

I am happy to announce Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis will be our speaker. The Congresswoman has taken on a leading role in Washington D.C. on behalf of New York’s 11^th congressional district. She has been an outspoken critic on the Democrats attempt to pack the court, and most recently has been the leading voice on calling for the DOJ to release documents related to Saudi Arabia’s role in the September 11, 2001 atrocities.

Additionally, I am excited to award Bob Smith, an original founder of the party, with the J. Daniel Mahoney award. Bob is the President and Founder of Smith Affiliated Capital and has been active for decades. Bob is more than deserving and I look forward to honoring him.

Finally, we will present Senators Ortt, Borrello, Helming, O’Mara and Assemblyman DiPietro with our top legislative rating awards for their commitment to supporting and voting for good causes throughout New York State.

The venue is a truly special place and piece of New York history. The Old ’76 House is America’s oldest restaurant and is listed as a National Landmark.

For more information and to register click here. 

Biden contends Trump administration failed to plan for migrant ‘overflow’

Taxpayer costs soaring for Biden border surge, contracts show

Progressives take credit for Biden’s huge spending plan: ‘We are setting the agenda for the Democratic Party’

New York Legislator Moves to Restore Voting Rights for Parolees

A bill passed earlier this year by the state Senate was also adopted by the Assembly this week paving the way to grant voting rights to every parolee in the state.

New York now becomes one of few states in the nation that allows parolees to vote and requires Department of Corrections employees to provide those individuals with a voter registration form.

When you commit felonies, you owe a debt to society and that debt is not paid in full until the convict has served their time and finished their parole obligations.

The Democratic-controlled state legislature makes it no secret that they are not interested in protecting the millions of residents and visitors who are law abiding members of society. Instead, they continue to place votes over paying the full debt to society.

They continue to empower those most willing to do harm to property and individuals, sending the message that their actions have very little consequences.

The only thing that remains for Democrats to do is add voting sites outside of our state prisons.

Vice President Harris MIA

Where is Vice President Harris, has been a question that has popped up over the last few weeks. Well, I can tell you where she is not, the Southern Border.

On March 24, President Joe Biden tasked VP Harris with leading the administrations response to the growing crisis at our border, but Harris has yet to visit Texas, Arizona, or New Mexico where illegal crossings have hit an all-time high.

The Vice President did announce her intentions to travel to Latin America last week, but continues to dodge questions regarding the humanitarian catastrophe, health risks, and the national security crisis our nation is facing.

Perhaps Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is correct when saying the Vice President is having trouble finding the border? Several members of our New York delegation have spent time visiting the border with law enforcement and seeing the issues up close. I am sure Congressmembers Garbarino, Malliotakis, Tenney, Jacobs or Katko would be more than willing to escort Vice President Harris to Donna, Texas.

2021 Spring Reception

I am very excited to have our first in-person Spring Reception May 26^th in Tappan, New York.

It has been far too long since we have gathered to visit with one another and this event will give us the opportunity to do so while celebrating some very deserving honorees and their contributions.

I am happy to announce Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis will be our speaker. The Congresswoman has taken on a leading roll in Washington D.C. on behalf of New York’s 11^th congressional district. She has been an outspoken critic on the Democrats attempt to pack the court, and most recently has been the leading voice on calling for the DOJ to release documents related to Saudi Arabia’s role in the September 11, 2001 atrocities.

Additionally, I am excited to award Bob Smith, an original founder of the party, with the J. Daniel Mahoney award. Bob is the President and Founder of Smith Affiliated Capital and has been active for decades. Bob is more than deserving and I look forward to honoring him.

Finally, we will present Senators Ortt, Borrello, Helming, O’Mara and Assemblyman DiPietro with our top legislative rating awards for their commitment to supporting and voting for good causes throughout New York State.

The venue is a truly special place and piece of New York history. The Old ’76 House is America’s oldest restaurant and is listed as a National Landmark.

For more information and to register click here. 

Twitter says it can’t evaluate LeBron James’s tweet targeting police officer due to deletion

Another Democrat-Controlled City Is Having Problems Recruiting People to Join Its Police Force.

Justice Thomas Calls Out Supreme Court’s Hypocrisy in Talking About Abortion.

Senate Republicans, Democrats Meet to Discuss Amnesty for Illegal Aliens.

Back on the Trail

After a long delay due to travel restrictions related to the Corona Virus, I am back on the road moving party business forward. This past week, I spent two days in Washington D.C. to discuss the future for the State Conservative Party and politics in New York State.

I had meetings with several members from our state delegation which gave me an opportunity to discuss their priorities and a bit of politics. I found our delegation is focused and working hard for their districts to combat radical liberals and their dangerous, expensive agenda.

I was also happy to meet with key conservative leaders including Karen Cross, the Political Action Director of the National Right to Life Committee, Governor Scott Walker, President of Young America’s Foundation, and Dan Schneider, Executive Director of the American Conservative Union.

Additionally, I had a great meeting with Saul Anuzis, President of “60 Plus,” and Justin Richards, the Executive Director of the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee to discuss our current members and some New York State candidates on the horizon.

Finally, I caught up with hard-charging Congressman Lee Zeldin to discuss his gubernatorial campaign and the next year and a half. Congressman Zeldin is focused on his district and his run to return New York to glory; a state we can all be proud of without living in fear of rising crime, taxes, and quality of life issues.

Democrats Move to Pack Supreme Court

The New York State Conservative Party condemns in the strongest possible terms efforts to expand the U.S. Supreme Court from 9 to 13 members.

In attempting to pack the court — a political impulse 75 consecutive Congresses have resisted — progressive Democrats are fiddling with the lock of a Pandora’s Box. If the Democrats succeed, what’s to stop Republicans from further expanding the court to 17 members when they next regain power? What’s to then stop Democrats from going to 21?

The Supreme Court was never intended to be the plaything of temporary partisan passions, and it should not be now for the benefit of either party. Its role is to interpret the constitutionality of our laws, not advance shortsighted political agendas. We urge level-headed members of Congress from all political backgrounds to stop this ill-conceived bill dead in its tracks.

We have seen a once prosperous nation, Venezuela, pack their courts with handpicked judges selected to act as an arm of the Hugo Chavez regime. The result? Between the years of 2004 and 2013, 45,000 rulings were examined, not once did they rule against Chavez and his Government.

That is not democracy, that is not freedom, that is socialism at its ugliest and mark my words, court-packing will be bad for America and its future.

Bill Pepitone for Mayor

The New York Conservative Party has its own candidate for Mayor, former NYPD office Bill Pepitone. This is not unusual as the party has run candidates solely endorsed by the Conservative Party including Bill Buckley, Barry Farber, Mario Biaggi, and George Marlin amongst others.

Bill was born and raised in Brooklyn New York, in a family of public servants. His father was a New York City Police Officer, Firefighter and Fire Marshal, His mother was a medical assistant, his uncle served as a detective with the NYPD Street Crime and Career Criminals Unit, and his grandfather served in the United States Navy.

It was inevitable that Bill would answer the call to serve the people, in 1989, Bill Pepitone joined the New York Police Department. During his career, he was assigned to Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, Brooklyn South Task Force, and the NYPD Police Academy’s Physical Training and Tactics Department.

Like most of us across the country, Bill Pepitone is devastated by what is happening to our freedoms, our livelihoods, our businesses, and our safety within our communities.  These are some of the reasons, he chose to run for Mayor of New York City.

To learn more about Bill, or to get involved, click here.

Schiff And Swalwell Went All in On the Dubious Russia Bounty Story

Democrats falsely claim Republicans ‘stole’ Supreme Court seats, pledge to pack the court to ‘save democracy’ in train wreck press conference

Bipartisan House group pushes to scrap SALT cap as infrastructure debate heats up.

Putin closes off access to Black Sea after Biden’s about-face on Ukraine

WATCH: Jim Jordan SLAMS Dr. Fauci, asks when Americans will ‘get their liberties back’

New York State Budget tops $212 Billion; Comes with Massive Tax Hikes

Late, expensive, and using taxpayers to bail New York out of another mismanaged state budget. I wouldn’t expect anything less from this Governor and State Legislature.

The state budget is a liberal’s dream and taxpayers’ nightmare; it throws all fiscal responsibility right out window while it continues to set a dangerous precedence going forward.  A balanced budget does not matter to the Governor, as long as he has taxpayers to place the burden on, he will continue to recklessly spend.

For years, far before the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been spiraling out of control, writing checks and spending money we do not have. After a federal bailout to the tune of $12.6 billion, Governor Cuomo and the Democrat controlled State Legislature raised taxes by an additional $4 billion, making New York perhaps the most taxed state in the nation and further providing more reasons for residents and businesses to explore other options in friendlier states.

To add insult to injury, $2.1 billion of the state budget was allocated for illegal immigrants while less than half that amount was allocated to help small businesses survive.

The priorities of Democrats are beyond misplaced. They have, once again, prioritized those most willing to break laws over the hardworking taxpayers who wish to live in New York State, operate a small business, or simply provide for their family.

Zeldin, Schmitt Announcements

Congressman Lee Zeldin and Assemblyman Colin Schmitt announced their intentions to run for Governor and Congress respectively in 2022 this week.

Their entry into the Governors race and what is now New York’s 18^th Congressional District is welcome news as both have been excellent representatives to their districts.

Congressman Zeldin, a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, served in the New York State Senate from 2011-2014 before defeating incumbent Democratic Congressman Tim Bishop in 2014. Lee is currently serving in his 4^th term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Assemblyman Colin Schmitt, a Corporal in the Army National Guard, was elected to the State Assembly in 2018. Colin easily won re-election in 2020. The seat was previously held by the Democrats until Colin flipped the open blue seat red.

We welcome them both and look forward to working with their teams.

Disorder at the Border

President Joe Biden wasted no time creating chaos at the border as illegal crossings are on pace to reach the highest levels in 20 years.

Shockingly 172,000 immigrants were apprehended in March alone under the Biden Administration. That represents an increase of 71% from March 2020 under the Trump Administration.

In addition to the humanitarian and public health crisis at our Southern Border, grave national security threats are a growing concern as two men on a terrorism watch list, and no fly list, were arrested after illegally crossing the border from Mexico into California, officials from the U.S. Border Patrol announced Monday. The men were apprehended in separate incidents, one on January 29^th and the other March 30, signaling the utter disregard for our immigration laws and weakness portrayed by the Biden Administration.

Many members of the New York Congressional delegation have visited the border, or will shortly, to see firsthand the disorder President Biden has caused through the undoing of Trump era policies by executive order.

Today, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis posted this video taken in McAllen, Texas last night as she toured the border with Whip Steve Scalise and other members of Congress.

Congressman Chris Jacobs was also touring the border last night. His initial observations can be heard here.

In March, House Homeland Security Ranking Member, Congressman John Katko, with Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy led a delegation to the Southern Border for a tour and discussion with Border Patrol Agents to assess the dire situation on the ground. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney was also among those who visited; you can watch some of that here.

“As a federal organized crime prosecutor back in the 90s, I was charged with going after the drug cartels. I had a fundamental understanding then, and I do now, that the cartels know when to exploit the southern border, and they’re doing it now masterfully. They’re doing it because President Biden rolled back a lot of the orders of the previous administration that were working” said Congressman Katko.

MLB commissioner decided to move All-Star Game after pressure from Stacey Abrams on voting issues: sources

Arizona AG says Kamala Harris hasn’t responded to his invitation to tour the border.

EXC: New York Times Staff Admit Previously Working For Chinese Communist Party – “It Has It’s Benefits.”

Chicago Teachers Union blocks reopening… again.

Biden’s border crisis is the worst since 2006, blowing Trump’s out of the water.

Cop Killer Leading NY Police Reform

In 1981, Richard Rivera murdered off-duty officer and dad-of-four Robert Walsh. Now, Rivera sits on a panel in Ithaca and Thompkins County trusted to help create police reforms.

The program to “reimagine” police departments was formed at the request of Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo and his New York Parole Board have been active in releasing cop killers from prison, demonstrating a clear lack of respect for police, the victim’s families and public safety.

You may have also read about the vicious attack that took place on West 43^rd Street in Manhattan or have seen the disturbing video. Based on what we know to be the priority of the far-left liberals in the State Legislature and Governor’s mansion, I am sure it won’t surprise you to hear the attacker, Brandon Elliott, was on parole for the murder of his own mother in 2002.

Rehabilitated he is clearly not, as shown by his disgusting attack on a 65-year-old woman whose only crime was walking down the same sidewalk as him. Video shows Elliott punch her, kick her in the stomach, and then stomp on her head. An abhorrent scene made possible by a misguided parole board hellbent on releasing violent criminals back on to the streets of New York.

Now, another convicted cop killer, Paul Ford, is set to be paroled. Ford was one of three men convicted of the 1980 murder of Police Officer Harry Ryman.

For years I have had a personal interest and have written many letters in support of keeping Paul Ford behind bars.

Another man convicted of killing, Barrington Young, 62, was released last year and deported. The third convicted killer, Cornelius Bucknor, 59, has also been granted a parole hearing.

Unconscionably, 20 cop killers have been released from prison in New York since 2017. An unfathomable, concerning number and dangerous precedence.

NYC Council, Mayor Turn Back on Police Again

An already tough and dangerous job became more tough last week as the New York City Council voted to end qualified immunity for its officers.

Common sense and protections for those who risk their lives to protect us no longer exist in New York City. Mayor de Blasio and the City Council continue to kowtow to the left, bending at the knee to every demand from liberal activists, no matter the consequences and negative affects it will have on law abiding citizens.

“New Yorkers are getting shot, and police officers are on the streets day and night, trying to stop the bloodshed” said PBA President Pat Lynch.

There was a troubling increase in crime in 2020, specifically murders, shooting victims, and shooting incidents. In 2021, we are on pace to far surpass those unacceptable 2020 numbers.

Under no circumstance should we be working to promote criminals and those willing to cause harm and destruction while diminishing the role of the police and putting the men and women who protect our city at further risk.

Marijuana Legalized in New York State

To say New York is going to pot may be the understatement of the decade. Legislation to create the ‘New York Office of Cannabis Management’ sounds like a bad joke. If only it were funny.

Democrats in Albany, led by scandal-scarred Gov. Andrew Cuomo, know that legalizing recreational marijuana will come at significant human cost, but all they seem to care about is more tax revenue. Their indifference to human suffering is unconscionable.

Study after study has shown that marijuana use among teens — make no mistake about it, teen use will go up — can cause significant psychological damage and lead to use of even more dangerous drugs. We also know that traffic injuries and fatalities will increase because of stoned drivers on our roads, and a percentage of first-time marijuana users will become addicts.

We also know from other states that black-market drug sales actually increase after legalization, and those illicit drug pipelines often include counterfeit prescription pills and deadly narcotics like heroin and fentanyl. The cost of treating the addictions that will ensue from this legislation will likely cost far more than any revenue it would generate. Indeed, for every $1 of tax revenue in alcohol and tobacco tax revenues, society loses $10 in social costs according to SAM-Smart Approaches to Marijuana.

Mark Twain said the darnedest thing: “It’s easier to keep out of something than to get out of something.” He was, of course, right, and Twain’s advice is our advice to the New York State Legislature.

Keep out of the drug business. It will not end well.

Conservative Party Reception to Return May 26, 2021

We are excited to announce the return of our annual reception this spring which will be held in Tappan, NY, May 26^th from 6:00 – 8:00pm at The Old ’76 House.

The ‘76 House, America’s oldest restaurant, is a three-hundred-year-old structure lovingly restored to pristine condition by the Norden Family. It is listed as a National Landmark and holds significant historic value. In fact, the original water painting of Benedict Arnold remains hung upside down. Just as George Washington left it.

We are expecting an exciting list of distinguished guests and honorees. We will be awarding our J. Daniel Mahoney Award, and Legislator of the Year Awards for 2020.

We are very much looking forward to gathering once again to visit with familiar faces and support the party.

Tickets for the event are $500 per person. More details are to follow in the coming week.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

Biden floats biggest tax hike since Clinton, who paid the price

Biden’s new $2 trillion spending plan is Green New Deal in ‘disguise,’ GOP lawmakers say

Trump says he is considering first rally since leaving office as he floats 2024 run.

President Biden’s American Job Killing Tax Plan.

Georgia governor hits back after Delta CEO criticizes state election law as ‘unacceptable’.