Category: Press Release

Statement From New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on Swearing In of Assemblyman Lester Chang

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
January 3, 2023

Brooklyn, NY — “Huge congratulations to Assemblyman Lester Chang (R-C, Brooklyn) on being sworn in and seated in the New York State Assembly today. Assemblyman Chang is the first Asian-American from Brooklyn to be elected to state office. The Conservative Party salutes Assemblyman Chang, a retired Navy Reservist, on his historic accomplishment. We look forward to working with him as he fights to make New York safer, more affordable, and more accountable in the years ahead.”

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Year-End Statement From New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com  
December 31, 2022

Brooklyn, NY — “The New York State Conservative Party had significant success in 2022, and the Party is poised for another strong year ahead.

“Our successful efforts to defeat potentially corrupting ballot proposals in 2021 directly led to the litigation that forced fair, court-ordered redistricting lines across the state. With reasonable district lines established, the Conservative Party supported 11 winning congressional candidates from New York this year, four of whom won with margins provided by line “C”. Newsmax is calling the New York State Conservative Party “The Majority Makers” for its role in the Republican takeover of Congress.

“Congressman Lee Zeldin’s determined run for governor — Zeldin was among the highest statewide vote getters in the Conservative Party’s 60-year history — played a significant factor in the historic congressional wins, helped usher in six new Party-supported Assembly members, and increased our representation in the State Senate.

“Zeldin, who garnered 47% of the statewide vote, and Attorney General candidate Mike Henry received more than 313,000 votes each on the Conservative Party line, solidly outpolling the Working Families Party and guaranteeing line-C ballot position for the next two years. Our U.S. Senate candidate Joe Pinion and State Comptroller candidate Paul Rodriquez also had outstanding vote totals on the Conservative line, approaching 300,000 votes each on the line.

“The Party’s growing influence in the five boroughs of New York City helped lead to the flipping of three Assembly seats in Kings County alone. Frank Tinari of Suffolk County, a State Vice Chairman, and Joe Lorigo, the son of Erie County Chairman Ralph Lorigo, were both elected to the State Supreme Court, adding to the number of registered Conservatives serving on the State Supreme Court.

“The Conservative Party held two successful conferences in 2022 — a State Legislative Conference in January and a National Affairs Conference in August. We also held a statewide nominating convention in February, and a number of successful receptions, including a summer reception featuring former Vice President Pence and a Fall reception featuring noted economist and radio personality Larry Kudlow. Party Leader Ross Brady served as a voice for common sense as a member of the NYS Reapportionment Commission in 2022.

“I am proud to report that the Conservative Party is on the ascent in New York, thanks to the hard work of its members and candidates. The Party’s year-over-year enrollment continued to grow in 2022, and we are excited to build on our successes in 2023.”

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Statement From New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar On Devious Albany Pay Raise Scheme

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
December 20, 2022

Statement From New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar On Devious Albany Pay Raise Scheme  

Brooklyn, NY — “Democrat leaders in the State Legislature are once again breaking the public trust by sneaking through a massive pay raise for themselves during the holidays when the fewest number of New Yorkers are watching. The proper time to have proposed a pay increase would have been during the elections when the public could weigh in, but, of course, that’s not how Albany works under one-party Democrat rule. The whole thing stinks of corrupt intent, frankly.

“The Conservative Party also opposes Democrat efforts to make state legislative offices full-time positions. If this change is forced through, New Yorkers will have to pay more for the same substandard government they get now. And God knows what other foolishness a full-time legislature could impose on us.

“New Yorkers are cynical about their state government for a reason. It reeks of self-interest year in and year out. The public deserves better.”

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Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on Attorney General James Controversy 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
December 8, 2022

Brooklyn, NY – “How Attorney General Letitia James thought she had the right to cover up sexual harassment allegations within in her office until after the November 8 election is beyond the comprehension of anyone who wants clean and accountable government in New York.

“Of all the public officials in New York State, Attorney General James should know best that self-monitoring a scandal within her own office is unacceptable.

“Governor Hochul’s refusal to act on this matter is equally unacceptable.  She must immediately appoint an independent investigator to determine what went on under the Attorney General’s nose.”

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Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on Republican House Majority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
November 17, 2022

Brooklyn, NY – “The New York State Conservative Party is proud to have played a pivotal role in securing a new Republican Majority in the House of Representatives. Eleven newly elected members of Congress from New York ran with Conservative Party support, and the Conservative Party line provided the direct margin of victory in four of those races.

“In all, more than 200,000 votes were cast on the Conservative Party line for the 11 victorious congressional candidates, and we look forward to building on those victories in the coming years.”

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Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
November 8, 2022

Brooklyn, NY – “We congratulate Congressman Lee Zeldin on an incredibly hard-fought race for governor. Congressman Zeldin came within a hares’ breadth of defeating an incumbent Democrat in a 2-1 Democratic State, and he won more than 30 percent of the New York City vote, despite a nearly 7-1 enrollment advantage for Democrats.

“His hard work and passion helped secure a number of key victories in down ballot races, and his future as a political leader is undeniable.

“The New York State Conservative Party garnered more than 300,000 votes and counting on its line in the governor’s race on Tuesday, and we are enormously grateful to New Yorkers of all parties who voted on our line.

“This is the highest number of votes on the Conservative line since 1998, and it easily surpasses Working Families Party totals, ensuring that line ‘C’ remains firmly in Conservative Party hands.”

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NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY RELEASES “THE ACCIDENTAL GOVERNOR” One-Minute Radio Ad Running Statewide

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

Brooklyn, NY – Nov. 1…The New York State Conservative Party today announced that it is airing a 60-second radio commercial statewide in support of Rep. Lee Zeldin for governor.

The spot, titled “The Accidental Governor” can be heard here. It will run through Election Day on stations across New York.

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NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CALLS FOR HIRING FREEZE IN HOCHUL ADMINISTRATION FOR NON-ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEES

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


Brooklyn, NY – Oct. 26…The New York State Conservative Party today called on New York governor Kathy Hochul to halt all non-essential hiring in her administration, citing the potential turnover of governors after Election Day and New York’s looming multi-billion budget deficit.

Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar said that the Party is making this call after learning about recent hires by the Hochul Administration that included highly-political communications personnel.

“New York State is facing a massive budget deficit, and there’s a toss-up election occurring in less than two weeks,” Mr. Kassar said. “Hiring new non-essential employees now makes no sense for taxpayers, especially when there’s a good possibility that Congressman Lee Zeldin will be elected on November 8th. Besides, Mrs. Hochul is already running the most bloated administration in state history, and New York families are struggling to pay for that. They can’t afford a nickel more.”

Mr. Kassar warned that retiring administrations sometimes create protected patronage jobs for campaign volunteers and contributors who can stay on the state payroll for years.

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Statement From New York State Conservative Party  Chairman Gerard Kassar On Spectrum Gubernatorial Debate 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
October 26, 2022

Brooklyn, NY – “I had the pleasure of attending last night’s debate at Pace University, and I was struck by how Governor Hochul lacked basic answers about major challenges facing New York families. Mrs. Hochul had no answer about her $600 million taxpayer giveaway to a billionaire sports team owner; she had no answers about the crime epidemic caused by no-cash-bail — she even expressed surprise that crime is such an important issue to New Yorkers! — she had no answers when asked about her very Andrew-Cuomo-like pay-to-play practices, and she had no answers on the nursing home scandal that left thousands of New Yorkers dead.

“Lee Zeldin, in contrast, was informative, crisp, and passionate, offering clear solutions to New York’s woes. Mr. Zeldin offered specific policy steps to lower crime, reduce New York’s nation-leading tax burden, and to cut mandates to grow the economy.

“With 12 days to go before the election, it’s clear that challenger Lee Zeldin has the vision, backbone, and integrity to guide this state forward. Governor Hochul has nothing.”

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Statement From New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar On Court Ruling Over Absentee Ballot Voting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
October 21, 2022

Brooklyn, NY – “The New York State Conservative Party commends today’s State Supreme Court decision that rightly preserves Election Day voting as an option for absentee ballot voters. Absentee ballot voters have had the right to amend their votes on Election Day for decades, and cynical attempts by Governor Hochul and the Democrat Party to strip them of those rights were wrong. This decision helps uphold the integrity of the electoral process, a major victory for New York voters and the rule of law.”

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CONSERVATIVE PARTY RATES 2022 LEGISLATIVE SESSION Five Senators Scored 100%; One Assembly Member Scored 100%

For Immediate Release
October 13, 2022
Contact:  Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org   @cpnys

             Brooklyn, NY – The Conservative Party’s 2022 legislative ratings are available below and on the Conservative Party’s website today to help voters in New York State know what direction the state has been heading and how their legislator voted on 25 key issues.

The Conservative Party congratulates Senators Jordan, Lanza, O’Mara, Ortt and Tedisco and Assembly Member Manktelow on their 100% ratings.

Keeping with its tradition, the Conservative Party tracked legislation throughout the session, issued support and opposition memos on pending legislation, and determined, at an executive committee meeting, which key issues best represent the direction of the state. The legislation considered comprise a variety of issues including, but not limited to criminal justice reform, infringement on our 2nd Amendment rights, radical green programs, and pro-life issues that affect the lives of all New Yorkers. “We believe that it is necessary to keep the public informed of key votes and let the taxpayers be aware of how elected officials spend our hard-earned money. Every bill is reviewed, and then we narrow them down to 25 specific bills to give voters a fair assessment of what transpires in Albany,” said Gerard Kassar, State Chairman. “As people go through the bills used this year it shows New Yorkers how out of touch the Democratic leaders of legislature are with the average citizen; many are costly, sometimes unwarranted, and a few will show how they try to help New Yorkers,” said Kassar.

The overall Senate ratings have consistently dropped since the Democrats took total control. In 2018 the average was 55%, in 2019 the average was 40%, in the COVID-19 shortened session of 2020 the Senate rated a meager 35%; in 2021 they went up 1% to 36% and this year the overall Senate rating inched up to 38%. In 2018 the Democratic Senate average was 41%, in 2019 the democratic average plummeted to 14%; it slightly improved to 17% in 2020, in 2021 democrats averaged a mere 9%, this year Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins oversaw an uptick of 4% to 13%. Republican Senators, led by Senator Rob Ortt saw a 1% drop to decrease to 92%, down from last year’s 93%. The 2019 average was 71%. Conservative endorsed legislators in the Senate kept their average at 90%.

The Assembly’s overall rating stays at 36% for the third year in a row. In 2018 their rating was 42%. The Democrats in the Assembly average inched up to 15%, after last years’ rating of 14%, which in 2019 was 19%. In 2018 it was 28% and in 2017 a mere 17%. The 43 Republican Assembly members, under the leadership of Assemblyman Will Barclay, averaged 88% down slightly from 89% in 2021 which was up from 79% in 2020. Conservative Party endorsed Assembly Members averaged 87%, down 1% from last year; but still significantly higher than the 79% in 2020.

As noted, the Conservative Republican alliance has the best interest of all New Yorkers when it comes to every day “kitchen table issues,” like crime, inflation and responsible caring for our planet.

We encourage voters to review the ratings and contact their legislators to let them know they are doing an excellent job or in the cases where the average is low, to let them know that you will vote accordingly. New York needs to reestablish a friendly place for entrepreneurs to open businesses and most importantly to create new jobs for those who have been forced out of work because they did not get the COVID-19 vaccine. The current trends adopting progressive ideology – as noted by the numbers — only increases an exodus from New York; families want a safe place to live, and a resurgence of business opportunities that made New York the beacon of hope and prosperity.

2022 descriptions of Assembly Bills
2022 Assembly Ratings Website
2022 descriptions of Senate Bills
2022 Senate Ratings Website

If you have a problem downloading, check the website or give us a call 718-921-2158 or 518-356-7882 for a copy.

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Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on Federal Court Gun Law Ruling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
October 6, 2022

Brooklyn, NY – “U.S. District Court Judge Glenn Suddaby is correct in blocking several enforcement provisions in New York’s hastily passed new gun laws. The Constitution is clear on the Second Amendment, and efforts by New York Democrats to require social media background checks for gun purchasers, among other things, violate both First and Second Amendment rights. We commend Justice Suddaby for properly flagging very real Constitutional concerns in New York’s new laws.”

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