FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
September 20, 2023

Gov. Hochul’s Partisan Early Voting-by-Mail Shenanigans is Directly Repudiating the Will of Voters: New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar 

Brooklyn-NY…“Governor Kathy Hochul signed one of the most disingenuous pieces of legislation in memory into law today in a cynical bid to aid the Democratic Party at the expense of fair elections and ballot integrity in New York State. In doing so, Gov. Hochul is directly repudiating the will of the voters who overwhelmingly rejected early voting by mail in a referendum two years ago. The Conservative Party will proudly join others in challenging this new law in court on clear Constitutional grounds.

“There is no impediment to voting in New York State. Voters have ample ways to cast their ballots. But Mrs. Hochul and her ‘progressive’ colleagues in Albany, who already control every lever of government in New York State, are constantly spreading falsehoods in an attempt to engineer election results to their liking. Mail-in-voting is inherently insecure, and they know it, but Gov. Hochul and the Democrats want it so badly that they devised an intricate legislative end-around of the People themselves. The question we must ask is ‘why?’ Why would Governor Hochul and her colleagues go to such trouble to overturn the results of a 2021 state ballot initiative? The answer, sadly, is obvious. Mrs. Hochul and her party want to hold power perpetually, the voters be damned. This new law will not survive legal challenge.”

Mayor Adams Admits New York City is Being Destroyed

Mayor Adams finally acknowledged what everyone was thinking. Thousands upon thousands of illegal migrants occupying NYC is destroying it. Soon, the same will be said about New York State. 

Let’s walk that back a step. Mayor Adams, and Governor Hochul, led by President Biden, are destroying New York City. It shouldn’t go unnoticed that they are all Democrats. There is not a single Conservative or Republican official that supports Biden’s, Adams’s, and Hochul’s reckless policies. 

This is the reality New Yorkers face every day: budget deficits, unsafe streets, lack of resources, and it all comes back to a horrendous open border policy at the federal level. The situation has been aggravated by a Governor blinded by partisan politics, and a Mayor whose management style is rather non-existent. I applaud the Mayor for finally speaking out, but words are not going to solve this ongoing crisis. We must call back the legislature for a special session to revoke New York City’s sanctuary city status. 

Patriots Podium Episode #9 Jason McGuire

On episode #9 of Patriots Podium, I had the pleasure of being joined by one of our own, Rev. Jason J. McGuire. Jason is the Executive Director of New Yorker’s Family Research Foundation (NYFRF) and NYFRF’s affiliated organization, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms. In addition, he holds the position of Livingston County Conservative Party Chairman. During our episode, we dive into critical issues facing our state such as the pro-life movement, parental rights, religious freedoms, females facing biological men in sports and bathrooms, and much more! Jason is a major asset to the Conservative Party and we are thankful for everything he does; whether it is running social media accounts, putting together CPPAC, speaking at events, doing interviews, and recently hosting the State Conservative Party’s table at the Syracuse State Fair. 

The podcast will premiere on all of our social media accounts Monday, 9/18. However, you can view early on any of the platforms below, feel free to give us a like and share!

YouTube:              Apple Music:             Spotify:            BuzzSprout:

Special Election in Queens

This past Tuesday, September 12th, Conservative and Republican endorsed candidate David Hirsch ran in a special election in Queens for Assembly District 27. In the end, we came up a bit short in an overwhelmingly blue district, outspent 18-1, with approximately only five weeks to campaign. The results were 55-45% in a seat that has a total enrollment of 62,961 active voters, with almost 38,000 registered Democrats to approximately 11,000 Republicans. The conservative vote, as usual, as a percentage of our enrollment was very high. In fact, 6% of the total vote in the 27th Assembly District was on the Conservative Party line.

I’d like to acknowledge and thank David for running a great campaign as it is no easy task, especially under the circumstances of a special election with little time to prepare. David put everything he had into this race, with hopes of changing his community for the better. Everyone around David felt the energy of the campaign, which helped attract volunteers from all over the state. In addition to Conservative Party members helping on the ground, I was one of the people who had the opportunity to go door to door there, with our Director of Operations, Andrew Davis. The overall consensus, and attitude of voters was encouraging. As you can imagine, the main issues facing the people of this district, as well as many across the state, are illegal immigration, public safety, and the economy. 

Local Councilwoman Vickie Paladino, who is a firebrand on these issues, was actively involved in Hirsch’s efforts in the overlap in her district, which David won by a large margin. The Republican Assembly Campaign Committee, together with many other elected officials, also played a huge role in David’s campaign such as members of the Assembly, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, and many more. We might not have won but it was an excellent joint effort. I wish David the best of luck in his future endeavors and congratulations to all involved. 

Remembering September 11, 2001

Monday will mark the 22nd Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that forever changed the world. 

I remember it like it was yesterday, as I am sure many of you do. I recall feelings of uncertainty, wondering what was coming next. What we all thought was a tragic accident would quickly turn to an orchestrated attack on civilians unlike anything America had ever experienced. In an instance, New York, the United States, and the world as we knew it was different.  

We felt every emotion possible:  fear, outrage, confusion, worry…you name it, at some point or another that day we felt it. And though we had just experienced tragedy, I recall one feeling very well—the feeling of pride in America and its citizens. 

Almost 22 years later, my optimism and belief in American exceptionalism remains, but I admittedly have grown frustrated with the fact that not only is September 11, 2001 seemingly an afterthought, but forgotten to many, and to others just another day.

Recently, I tweeted “In NYC most political groups stand down on 9/11 out of respect for the tragic events of that day.” I did not know that would be such a controversial message, but to members of the Democratic Socialists of America it was, as I was met with many nasty and vile responses.

Members of the DSA told me to “shut up,” others told me to “take a seat and keep quiet,” some even told me to forget about 9/11 because “it’s been 20 years.” Well, my message to all of them 10 days ago is the same as it is now. I will not shut up, I will not keep quiet—I will never forget.

As I have every year since the tragic events of 9/11 that saw nearly 3,000 innocent people taken from us, I will suspend all political activities that I have control over and will spend my time honoring those we lost, those we continue to lose, their families, and our first responders. I hope you will join me in doing the same.

God Bless the United States of America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
September 6, 2023

New, Mandated NYPD Crowd Control Rules will Make City, Police Officers Less Safe: State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

Brooklyn-NY…“New York is systematically dismantling the successful crime-fighting strategies that were the envy of the world two decades ago. The NYPD is now being forced to change its time-tested rules for dealing with protesters — too often violent protesters — which will result in a less safe city for citizens and police officers alike.

“Once again, the general public’s safety is being compromised by ‘woke’ elected leaders, like Attorney General Letitia James, who always seem to get it wrong. Elected leaders are supposed to protect the public from criminals and rioters, not the other way around.

“It’s heartbreaking, but unsurprising, that New York City has reclaimed its reputation as a dirty, dangerous city. And it’s no surprise that businesses and families are streaming out of the five boroughs as a result. We can do so much better than this.”

Rest in Peace James Buckley

Yesterday, Jim Buckley was laid to rest in his beloved Sharon, Connecticut, surrounded by family and friends. Sharon itself is an important town in history for the modern conservative movement. In 1960, Bill together with Jim, along with his family and other Young Conservatives leaders, founded Young Americans for Freedom (YAF).

I had the honor of serving in various capacities with Young Americans for Freedom in my youth, culminating with a term on the national board. I think it is appropriate, in honor of Jim, Bill, and the entire family, to republish the Sharon Statement:

 The Sharon Statement

Adopted by the Young Americans for Freedom in conference at Sharon, Conn., September 9-11, 1960. In this time of moral and political crisis, it is the responsibility of the youth of America to affirm certain eternal truths. We, as young conservatives, believe:

• That foremost among the transcendent values is the individual’s use of his God-given free will, whence derives his right to be free from the restrictions of arbitrary force;
• That liberty is indivisible, and that political freedom cannot long exist without economic freedom;
• That the purposes of government are to protect these freedoms through the preservation of internal order, the provision of national defense, and the administration of justice;
• That when government ventures beyond these rightful functions, it accumulates power which tends to diminish order and liberty;
• That the Constitution of the United States is the best arrangement yet devised for empowering government to fulfill its proper role, while restraining it from the concentration and abuse of power;
• That the genius of the Constitution—the division of powers—is summed up in the clause which reserves primacy to the several states, or to the people, in those spheres not specifically delegated to the Federal Government;
• That the market economy, allocating resources by the free play of supply and demand, is the single economic system compatible with the requirements of personal freedom and constitutional government, and that it is at the same time the most productive supplier of human needs;
• That when government interferes with the work of the market economy, it tends to reduce the moral and physical strength of the nation; that when it takes from one man to bestow on another, it diminishes the incentive of the first, the integrity of the second, and the moral autonomy of both;
• That we will be free only so long as the national sovereignty of the United States is secure: that history shows periods of freedom are rare, and can exist only when free citizens concertedly defend their rights against all enemies;
• That the forces of international Communism are, at present, the greatest single threat to these liberties;
• That the United States should stress victory over, rather than coexistence with, this menace; and
• That American foreign policy must be judged by this criterion: does it serve the just interests of the United States?

The conservative movement has lost a great man, and an even greater leader. Rest in peace, Jim Buckley.

Patriots Podium Episode #8 Featuring Tom King

On the 8^th Episode of Patriots Podium, I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Tom King, the President of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association. It is more important than ever that we advocate for our 2^nd amendment rights. Democrats pounce on every opportunity they can to strip our rights away, and people like Tom are fighting on the front lines. We cover an array of topics regarding the Rifle and Pistol Association’s advocacy, how we can protect our 2^nd amendment rights, and legal cases such as State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. Last year, this historic victory came before the United States Supreme Court that ruled Americans have the right to concealed carry. Hear firsthand from Tom King about his efforts and the significance of the decision.

The podcast will premiere on all of our social media accounts Monday, 8/28. However, you can view early on any of the platforms below, feel free to give us a like and share!

YouTube:              Apple Music:             Spotify:            BuzzSprout:

We Will Never Forget, But Some Have

I worked around the corner from the World Trade Center. When the buildings came down it did not take me long to realize that many residents of my community and graduates of my High School and College had perished. I lost count of the funeral services and street naming memorials. Together with many other volunteers during the first three weeks we collected what was needed and made many runs over to the site under escort.  I know I will “Never Forget.”  I now doubt if I can say that about America.

The twenty second anniversary is less then a month away. When I look at American foreign policy I wonder if the Biden Administration has forgotten. When I hear about American Border security with ample evidence that terrorists move in and out of our nation regularly, I wonder if those who support open borders have forgotten.  When I see athletes and other Americans take a knee when our National Anthem is played, I know that they have forgotten.

The Biden Administration is actually considering sparing the four 9/11 living masterminds the death penalty. Yes, they have forgotten.

Even flying the American Flag in parts of our state is beginning to feel like an act of defiance against the “woke” left. I suspect many reading the wrap up have felt the same.

The Conservative Party is made up of fighters. We will “Never Forget.”

We need to do what we do best. Double our efforts to honor our nation by celebrating patriotic holidays, remembering solemn occasions such as 9/11, flying our American flags and most of all voting for candidates that reflect our morals and beliefs.

We also need to remind younger people in our orbit why we do these things and why it is important.

Speaker McCarthy In New York

 House Republican leadership has shown a strong commitment to keep New York Conservative/Republican Congressmembers in office. Our members were the “Majority Makers” in 2022 and we could very well be in that position again.

Actions, however, do speak louder than words. To that point I wish to thank Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for setting up a special committee that solely raises money to hold and pick up New York State Congressional seats. To date, the committee has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the effort with much more expected.

And a big shout out to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy who has been in the State many times to support our members.  In fact, next Wednesday he will be the keynote speaker at fundraising events for Congressman Brandon Williams in the afternoon in Onondaga County and in the evening for Congressman Marcus Molinaro in Sullivan County. I plan to catch up with him and Brandon in Onondaga.

Conservative Party at New York State Fair

As we did last year the State Party will be sponsoring a table at the New York State Fair for the entirety of the event. I wish to thank Onondaga Chairman Bernie Ment, for all of his tireless efforts; as well as area County Conservative Party organizations with their assistance in funding and providing volunteers.

We could use more volunteers to assist with the table. If you have a few hours please contact Chairman Ment at 315-278-8927.

Our table will be in the Micron Center of Progress.  I will be there on September 23^rd with Chairman Ment and Congressman Williams.  Come by and say hello.

Migrant Crisis is Self-Inflicted

Make no mistake about it, President Biden and his administration created the current migrant crisis facing New York City and State, but it was made significantly worse by Mayor Adams and the New York City Council. 

Mayor Adams and the Council prepped the ground for this disaster by declaring New York a sanctuary city years ago, Governor Hochul manages New York as if it was a sanctuary state, and Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have been less than useless. Our local and state government have simply failed at every turn.

Over 100,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in New York City with thousands upon thousands more expected with a price tag that’s estimated to be at least $12 billion but will surely balloon. Adding insult to injury, park space is being used to build tent cities and now school space is in question.

This is an unmitigated disaster and the blame lies at the feet of Democrats and woke activists.  Can you name a single Republican or Conservative in this state who supported sanctuary status? I can’t.

Read my full op-ed on the migrant crisis here. Please share it as it is imperative this situation be brought to the forefront as this crisis continues to worsen.

Riot in the Heart of New York City

Today’s New York City cascades out of control often. The recent riot of teenagers in the thousands at Union Square Park by those in hope of obtaining free PlayStation 5’s is a timely example with a difference.

This riot involved older teenagers still in theory within the control of their parents and the rioters showed complete disregard for the NYPD, and private property. The NYPD used extreme restraint, something that our current radical political leadership demands. That usually involves the police backing off out of concern that they do not have the support of civilian management.

When the police cannot protect themselves, it goes without saying that they cannot protect us. This story needs a different ending. One in which parents take responsibility for their teenage children. It involves New Yorkers at all levels respecting the police, and frankly, themselves. 

As an aside, and I suppose it shows my age, I worked every summer from the time I was 14 years old. If I went into the “City” it was on a day off with friends. A rare happening for sure. I did not need free things because I made a few bucks to buy what I wanted (albeit Play Stations are a lot more expensive than clothing and baseball cards).

Jennifer Harrison on Patriots Podium

On Patriots Podium Episode #7, I had the pleasure of having a powerful conversation with Jennifer Harrison. Jennifer is the Executive Director of The Victims Rights Reform Council, and the Founder of the political action committee Victims Rights NY. She is incredibly brave, and given the current state of New York, her advocacy is extremely important. The podcast will premiere on all of our social media accounts Monday, 8/14. However, you can view early on any of the platforms below, feel free to give us a like and share!

YouTube:              Apple Music:             Spotify:            BuzzSprout:

If you want to find out more about Jennifer and her organization, you can go to: victimsrightsnypac.com/home