Author: Gerard Kassar

Chairman Kassar’s Weekly Wrap Up 9/13/24

NYC FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS EXPANDS – NYPD COMMISSIONER RESIGNS

The tentacles of official corruption are reaching into the highest echelons of the NYC government.  There does not seem to be one central theme such as bribery or extortion.  In fact, corruption investigations run the gamut from taxpayer-funded campaign violations to protection schemes and even questions concerning the influence of foreign governments on NYC government.

Others such as the NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban cannot explain the use of official vehicles to chauffeur his brother James, a prominent figure in the nighttime entertainment industry, and questions about protection payments being solicited.

Mayor Adams himself has been criticized for giving little to no attention to setting up an unethical administration. In fact, integrity does not appear to be one of the top qualifications to work in his administration. His first Deputy Mayor had her phone confiscated and her home searched by the FBI. The same has occurred with the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, who is the brother of the school’s Chancellor, who in turn is engaged to and lives with the first Deputy Mayor.

Questions are being raised about the activities of not-for-profits the Mayor supports. We are coming closer and closer to the ultimate question of what did Adams know and when did he know it. Something to keep in mind, under the NYC Charter, if Adams resigns in the next few months, the public advocate holds the position only until a special election is called within a few weeks.

NYC special elections are non-partisan which gives the GOP and Conservative Parties a chance to participate in electing a Mayor for all the people. The two parties combine for 300,000 votes, plus votes in partisan elections that see 1.1 million votes cast. An enterprising Conservative, a leaning Democrat or an Independent would be well on his or her way to victory by harnessing these votes.

BRONX GOES CONSERVATIVE

Did you ever think you’d read this headline? Think again. Admittedly, we are not taking over Borough Hall, but it is true that the Party has had over a 15% increase in enrollment over the past year. This is 15% after taking into account losses in enrollment. As a percentage, it is far higher than the Democratic and Republican parties. The party’s county-wide vote has correspondingly increased.

One person alone, Gonzalo Duran, has registered over 200 new Conservatives in the past nine months.  Another, Dion Powell, nearly 150 new Conservative Party Members. Many of the new enrollees are hispanic and black, they are overwhelmingly younger and they are all solid Donald Trump Supporters.

I have had an opportunity to attend press events and a debate watch party with the Bronx Conservatives. They truly are an enthusiastic and terrific group. Special thank you Chairman Pat McManus for everything he does for the Bronx Conservative Party. I am very excited about these gains and proud of the work that’s being done, and I hope you will be too.

If you are interested in learning more, next week we will be airing a podcast that discusses the emerging strength of the Bronx Conservative Party.

FEDS DELAY REAL ID RULES FOR AIR TRAVEL

The day after 9/11, the Biden/Harris Administration proposed the delay on real ID rules for air travel. Sure it’s stupid, but it’s also dangerous.

The world is certainly not getting safer. We hear of terrorist intrusions we have stopped, we wonder how many have already crossed over the border with thousands of illegal aliens or forged paperwork.

The TSA is using government double talk to explain that they want to delay full enforcement two years, but do not want to change the day the real ID goes into effect. This is outright head-scratching and should be strongly opposed. 

Fortunately, the ten members of the NYS Congressional Delegation we elected, as well as our candidates, have not been fooled and are committed to opposing this dangerous change. 

9/11 Memorial Statement From NYS Conservative Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
September 11, 2024

9/11 Memorial Statement by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

“Today’s crisp air and deep blue sky almost reminds us of that terrible September day 23 years ago when foreign terrorists attacked our nation and took the lives of nearly 3,000 of our neighbors. Thousands more have passed away in the intervening years from cancers and other ailments caused by the 9/11 attacks. We pause to remember today all those we’ve lost, to recommit ourselves to their memories, and to pledge ourselves to an even better, safer, and freer America. The Conservative Party will never forget.”

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Tonight’s Debate-Statement by NYS Conservative Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
September 10, 2024

Statement on  Tonight’s Presidential Debate by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

“President Trump spoke for millions of Americans tonight who have watched their nation grow weaker, more expensive, and more divided under four years of the Biden-Harris Administration. With common sense and plain speak, President Trump showed his grasp of the issues and his vision for Making America Great Again. It was a strong night for the former President as he heads into the final eight weeks of the 2024 campaign.”

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Chinese Spy in NY’s Highest Level of Government-Statement From NYS Conservative Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
September 3, 2024

Statement on Chinese Spy at Highest Levels of New York Government by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

“This is no one-day news story: A spy for the Chinese Communist Party has been captured after working for years at some of the highest levels of New York State government. The situation demands an immediate and exhaustive federal and state investigation to determine just how much damage this spy network has done.

“The story doesn’t begin here. Last year we learned that the Chinese Communist Party was establishing ‘police precincts’ in New York and elsewhere to track and harass anti-Communist Americans, Chinese expatriates, citizens of the democratic Republic of China (ROC) living in the U.S., and others. Now learn that a former Deputy Chief of Staff to two New York State governors was an agent for the Chinese Communist Party the whole time she served. The situation is intolerable.

“The relationship between the U.S. and Communist China has been spiraling downward for years, yet our defenses against their attempts to penetrate U.S. government entities haven’t kept pace with that reality, as is clearly evidenced in New York. Any attempts to sweep this national security threat under the table will be equally intolerable. We need answers, and we should spend all the time needed to unearth and unravel the damage that’s been done. The stakes couldn’t be higher.”

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Chairman Kassar’s Weekly Wrap Up 8/30/24

CENTRAL NEW YORK

I had an opportunity to spend time with Congressman Brandon Williams and his team recently at both a fundraiser and a day at the State Fair. Brandon, who is an exceptionally hard-working Congressmember was joined by Staten Island/Brooklyn Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis.

The event was a success, the State Fair was a success and Brandon who always impresses me, continues to show the resolve to bring home a win in one of our Nation’s most competitive districts. A special thank you to his wife Stephanie, who is one of the most gracious people I know.

On this trip, I had a chance to have a productive visit with Cayuga Chairman Dave Pappert, Onondaga Treasurer Matt Beadnell, and State Executive Committee Member Tom Dadey.

At the State Fair, I caught up with Orange County Chairwoman Grace White, who was spending several days at the Fair with her Grandchildren. Her Grandchildren are actually there competing in the Fair’s milk cattle showing, and various other animal presentations. They had already won many medals and were anticipating winning many more. The last showing is Saturday and we wish them the best of luck, and as always, it was great seeing Grace.

A big thank you to Congresswoman Malliotakis who took the time to travel from Staten Island to help Congressman Williams in a pivotal seat this election.

MTA ADMITS BUS FARE EVASION A GIGANTIC PROBLEM

The MTA has finally gone on the public record admitting that they lose a tremendous amount of revenue through bus fare evasion. It is the worst of any major city in the United States. Incredibly, it amounts to 48% of all bus riders failing to pay – that is over $300 million a year and increasing fast.  This excludes the $285 million a year lost on subway fare evasion. You see videos on social media daily, or you may even experience in person the number of people jumping the turnstiles or entering free through the back of the bus and making a joke out of fare evasion because they know there are no consequences.

The MTA has some novel plans to address subway fare evasion. They are novel and expensive, but at least there is a plan. It seems they have just about given up on the buses, effectively ignoring the growing problem. Commuters and taxpayers are being saddled because of irresponsible ridership.

The problem has grown from something rarely seen fifteen years ago, to an epidemic. This all comes at a time when the truth about Congestion Pricing has spilled into the public domain. It was always about a new form of revenue.  A large, new form of revenue that was no more than another tax on commuters. I can only imagine what tax they will come up with next.

As the Governor signals that she is likely to lift the suspension right after the Election, we are once again reminded that the MTA’s embarrassingly incompetent leadership, supported by equally ignorant Democratic political leaders, intends to let bus fare beating go unchecked.

We must permanently end any threat of Congestion Pricing and pay for the MTA rolling stock improvements that are capital in nature and bonded out by collecting from fare beaters. It is enough to underwrite billions of capital dollars and contribute to debt service.

 PROPOSITION ONE STATEMENT FROM ELISE STEFANIK

“Proposition 1 would give our hard earned NY taxpayer dollars to illegals, fund sex change operations for minors without parental consent, and force schools to allow men and boys in women and girls sports and bathrooms. Vote NO on the radical Far Left Proposition.”-Elise Stefanik

The Conservative Party has been and will continue to fight against the disastrous Proposition One that will be on the ballot this November.

NYS Conservative Party-Statement on Democrats Whitewashing Mannion’s Harassment Complaints

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
August 30, 2024

Statement on New York Democrats’ Whitewashing of Senator Mannion Harassment Complaints 

“Here we go again. New York Democrats, it appears, are back to their old habit of whitewashing harassment cases and gaslighting the victims. This time it involves state senator and congressional candidate John Mannion who serially harassed members of his staff, according to complaints. Rather than acknowledging the issue, Democrats hired a third party company which quietly dismissed the allegations.

“We’ve been here too many times before. Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed women, and countless members of his party knew it and did nothing. Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver practically systematized sexual harassment and assault claims levied against powerful Democrats, using millions of dollars of taxpayer money to legally silence victims. This has all come from the party that proclaims it supports women.

“This Democrat ‘investigation’ is clearly a sham, and voters of New York’s 22nd Congressional District deserve to know if the Democrat candidate is a creep.”

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Statement From NYS Conservative Party 8/24/24 META Blocking Reagan Film

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
August 24, 2024

Why is Meta Blocking Reagan Film Advertising?
Statement by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

“Meta or Facebook or whatever it calls itself now is thoroughly embarrassing itself before a national audience. By banning advertisements about the coming biopic “Reagan” it is demonstrating just how ridiculous its political censorship has become. The Conservative Party knows something about this. We were blocked by a social media company four years ago simply for being called The Conservative Party. Ronald Reagan was our nation’s 40th president. His iron stance against the Soviet Union freed billions  He was beloved. Meta is showing why it’s not. It needs to get its act together.”

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Chairman Kassar’s Weekly Wrap Up 8/23/24

Conservatives Officially Nominate Trump

Last weekend, at the Milleridge Inn in Nassau County, the Conservative Party officially nominated Donald Trump and J.D. Vance to be on Row C of the New York State Ballot for President and Vice President. Our line is expected to garner over 325,000 votes for President Trump. During the convention, multiple party members spoke on how President Trump and Senator Vance have made America better for our future and our children’s future. Our U.S. Senate candidate, Mike Sapraicone, also spoke about his plans for the Senate and how to bring conservative values back to New York. We also elected our joint state of Presidential Electors with the New York State Republican Party on Saturday, and when Trump wins New York this November, these 28 citizens will be members of the electoral college and place their vote on our behalf in Albany. 

Our National Affairs Reception followed the convention and included a multitude of speakers including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, and Congressmen ​​Anthony D’Esposito and Andrew Garbarino. At the reception, the Suffolk County PBA, representing 31 law enforcement organizations and over 9,000 people became the first law enforcement agency in New York to endorse President Trump. Congressman Jim Jordan was our guest of honor and was asked specifically by Trump to accept the nomination of our Party on his behalf. Jordan spoke at length about the good that President Trump had done for the Country during his first term. He recalled that one day when he walked into the chief of staff’s office, he saw a whiteboard that listed campaign promises. More than half of them were crossed out. President Trump is one of the few politicians who isn’t in it for the money or the fame, he is here to help Make America Great Again. Photos from the convention and reception can be found on our social media pages here:

DNC – A Masterclass in Hypocrisy

The Democratic National Convention met in Chicago this week to ceremonially nominate Harris and Walz to be their candidates for President and Vice President. While the RNC celebrated policies that work to make America better for all, the DNC’s main objective this week was to explain their way out of the hole they dug themselves into. Speaker after speaker blamed Trump for the problems that America faces today, and put forward prime-time fearmongering on what a second Trump term would mean for the Country. What the DNC does not tell you is that every problem that America faces today, the inflation, the border, the violence in our streets and so many more, have been caused by the Democrats themselves. We hear time and time again of our own children dying because of the violence and drugs coming over the border, and the border czar refuses to admit we have a problem. New Yorkers know better than most what the Biden-Harris border policies are doing to our County and once great State. Now, instead of protecting our citizens, Democrats want to dilute our vote with noncitizen and illegal voters to stay in power for longer. Democrats have controlled the White House for 12 of the last 16 years. What makes them think that if they couldn’t do it then, they can do it now?

Vote No on Prop One

One of November’s ballot initiatives in New York is the liberal, anti-parent, and discriminatory Proposition One. This proposition, which supporters call the Equal Rights Amendment, will add a plethora of seemingly anti-discriminatory laws to New York’s Constitution, but also legalize and mandate gender-affirming care for young children, men in women’s sports, and enforce reverse discrimination, meaning that Judges and law enforcement could actively discriminate based on race, sex, sexual orientation, or any other difference between you and I in order to avoid the discrimination they are trying to fight against. The language is so broad that it could be used as an argument to allow illegal immigrants the right to vote in our elections. It is fitting that this proposition has been dubbed “Anything Goes” because if passed the State Government could do anything they wanted in the name of fighting discrimination. The idea that fighting discrimination with more discrimination is one that boggles the mind and I urge all New Yorkers to vote against it this November. You can find more information here:

Statement From NYS Conservative Party 8/21/24

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
August 21, 2024

Statement on Democratic National Convention by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

“After two days of the Democratic National Convention, one thing is abundantly clear: the Democrats have an uncanny ability to identify the problems that they, themselves, have created. They actually know how badly they’ve messed things up under the Biden-Harris Administration, yet, with a straight face, they offer America more government ‘solutions.’ We don’t want them.

“Crisis after crisis has been caused by asinine Harris-Biden policies. Prices continue to go up — never down — under Biden-Harris; law enforcement departments are reeling from anti-cop statutes and sentiments, and cities are being overrun by illegal migrants. None of these would have happened under a Trump Administration.

“There’s an old expression — ‘watch the hands, not the mouth’ — that easily applies to today’s Democratic Party. It’s not what they say, it’s what they do. Remember that.”

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Chairman Kassar’s Weekly Wrap-Up 8/9/24

Tim Walz: The Left Runs Further Left 

On Tuesday, Kamala Harris announced her vice presidential nominee would be Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and again told the public what kind of far-left, radical ideology she will be ruling the nation with if they were to win in November. As a congressman, and when he was first elected governor in 2018, Walz seemed to be a moderate Democrat who could work with Republicans due to the fact that they controlled at least one part of the federal and state governments. However, when Democrats took control of all branches of the Minnesota State government, his true progressive side began to show. He has enshrined abortion up until the point of birth in the State Constitution, mandated DEI education policies for all students starting at the age of 5, and mandated that racial records be kept by the public school system on students who are being held in detention for misbehaving. In 2020, he sat by and watched Minneapolis burn as protesters, arsonists, and murderers were bailed out by Kamala Harris. Finally, Walz did what liberal do best: raised taxes on anything and everything. Gas, sales, payroll, car licenses, and online delivery taxes all went up to pay for Walz uncontrolled spending. The Harris/Walz ticket is a Godsend for liberals like AOC and Chuck Schumer, but if elected, marks the beginning of the end for the United States as we know it.  You can read our full press release here.

Conservative Party Convention/Reception Featuring Jim Jordan

On Saturday, August 17th the New York State Conservative Party will officially nominate Donald J. Trump and J.D. Vance as our candidates to be the next President and Vice President of the United States. In years past our party has garnard over 300,000 votes for the Trump ticket, and this year we expect to give even more. The democratic ticket will usher in a new wave of liberalism in our country that will make radicals like AOC proud. The Trump-Vance ticket will bring more traditional values that Americans have been longing for since the election of Joe Biden.

The Convention will be held at The Cottage at The Milleridge Inn in Nassau County, located at 585 N Broadway, Jericho, NY 11753, and is free and open to the public. Registration starts at 1:15pm. Our candidate for U.S. Senate, Mike Sapraicone, will speak about his campaign and address the audience. Immediately following the convention, we will have our National Affairs Reception with a wonderful dinner and open bar. Our guest of honor, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) will be our speaker and officially accept the nomination of President Trump on his behalf. Members of Congress and local officials will be in attendance. While the convention is free, we encourage you to sign up or call our Brooklyn HQ for more information at 718-921-2158. Tickets for the reception are $500, and you can purchase a ticket using this link here. This will be a monumental occasion, with like minded conservative leaders, dignitaries, committee members, and many more. We hope you can join us in support of our next President! 

Patriots Podium featuring Rep. Lee Zeldin

This week, I had the honor of speaking with Former Congressman and Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin of Long Island on our new edition of Patriots Podium. Lee Zeldin has represented conservative values in the State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives for over 10 years. Lee is currently one of the nation’s leading conservative voices, and has been campaigning all over the Country with President Trump. Together we talked about Harris’ choice of VP, his prime time address at the RNC, J.D. Vance, Zeldin Cares, and even his plans for the 2026 elections. We want to thank Lee for everything he has done for the Conservative Party, our State, and the Nation as a whole. We know he will continue to do great work to spread our message, activate volunteers, and do everything in his power to get Donald Trump elected this November. You can watch episode #26 on any of the links below: 

YouTube        BuzzSprout        Spotify         Apple Music

Statement From NYS Conservative Party 8/6/24 Kamala’s VP Pick

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
August 6, 2024

Statement on Gov. Tim Walz as Vice President Harris’s Running Mate by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

“The choice should be viewed as a flashing red warning light for the nation.”

“Americans rightly concerned about the skyrocketing cost of living, rising crime, and an ever-worsening illegal migrant crisis in America under President Biden and Vice President Harris should be downright alarmed by the choice of uber-progressive Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Vice President Harris’s running mate. The selection of an anti-police, hard-left-wing candidate demonstrates the sharp leftward direction a Harris Administration would take. The choice should be viewed as a flashing red warning light for the nation.

“At the same time, U.S. allies — especially the State of Israel — should be deeply concerned about Ms. Harris’s choice. Gov. Walz is no evident friend of Israel, and he should be questioned thoroughly about his commitment to our most important Middle East ally.

“Some will be surprised by this selection, but it makes perfect sense. The Democratic Party has been sliding to the left for years, and with a Harris-Walz ticket, the progressive takeover of the Party of Jackson is now complete. Voters beware.”

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Chairman Kassar’s Weekly Wrap-Up 8/2/24

9/11 Mastermind Strikes Plea Deal

The revelation that the mastermind of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM), along with two other terrorists held in Guantánamo Bay, will be spared the death penalty under a plea deal is a profound insult to the victims and heroes of that tragic day. For nearly 24 years, families of the victims have waited with heavy hearts for justice to be served, with many believing that death was the only fitting punishment for those responsible for such unspeakable acts of terror. This decision undermines the sacrifices made by countless individuals and sends a troubling message about our resolve to hold accountable those who perpetrate heinous crimes against our nation. The decision not only fails to deliver the justice long sought by the families but also diminishes the memory of the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost on that fateful day. September 11th families, and New Yorkers deserve justice, and the Biden administration is standing in the way. While not directly involved in the actual negotiation being conducted by his subordinates in the military, the Administration had made a strong point that the Guantanamo Bay detention facility needed to be closed by the end of Biden’s term. This deal is an integral part of the commitment made by Biden and has been referenced repeatedly in recent days as Americans try to make some sense out of what happened. Harris should have come out immediately against negotiating with terrorists. Of course, she will never distance herself from everyday liberal Biden who she is best described as being to the left of him. President Trump took about ten seconds to register his anger. He would never have negotiated and was working towards a resolution through a military authorized death penalty for terrorists when he left office. You can read the full article here. 

Olympics

The 2024 Olympic introduction, which drag queens shamelessly mocked Christianity and the Last Supper on the world stage, was a blatant display of disrespect towards a faith held dear by billions. Such disregard for religious sensibilities is deeply troubling and sets a concerning precedent. Here in the U.S. we see the left’s vitriol against Christians and Jews alike, and the New York State Conservative Party will not stand for it. You can read our full press release on the “Drag Queen Last Supper” here. Moreover, the decision to allow a male competitor, with significantly higher testosterone levels, to fight in a women’s boxing match led to a dangerous and unfair outcome. After just 46 seconds and a few hits to the face, Carini, an excellent boxer from Italy, was forced to forfeit the fight due to being overpowered. This situation is utterly unacceptable and highlights the serious risks posed to women in the name of inclusion. Prioritizing ideological agendas over safety and fairness undermines the integrity of women’s sports and endangers female athletes. I’ll be rooting for the U.S. Olympic Team with all my heart, but with the television off. Blatant sacrilege doesn’t deserve an audience.

2024 Conservative Party Convention

The New York State Conservative Party will be hosting are 2024 Presidential Nominating Convention on August 17th at 1 PM at The Cottage at the Milleridge Inn, 585 North Broadway, Jericho, NY 11753, in Nassau County. The purpose of the convention is to nominate President Donald J. Trump to be the Conservative Party candidate for President in New York State, where we expect him to garner over 320,000 votes this November. The convention is open to the general public, but only delegates are allowed to vote. Immediately after the convention, Congressman Jim Jordan will be accepting the nomination on behalf of President Trump and soon-to-be Vice President J.D. Vance at our “National Affairs Reception Fundraiser” which will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the same location. Other members of Congress and local officials will also be in attendance. While the convention is free, we encourage you to sign up or call our Brooklyn HQ for more information at 718-921-2158. Tickets for the reception are $500, and you can purchase a ticket using this link here. This will be a monumental occasion, with like minded conservative leaders, dignitaries, committee members, and many more. We hope you can join us in support of our next President!