A Message from NYSYR Chairman Christopher Dziedzic

I initially intended to talk about our recent Leadership Conference in Albany featuring a fundraising class.

I would be remiss, however, if I did not take a few minutes and talk about Client #9 and the impact the recent scandal will have on New York State and the GOP.

On one level, this will be good for New York State. The removal of the antagonistic Spitzer should mean that the Second Floor will spend more time governing the state and less time trying to smear Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno with various allegations. That is good news for all New Yorkers.

On another level, this will also be good for the Republican Party. The Democrats, especially those in the Senate, have lost their primary fundraising cash cow. The Democratic Party will be in chaos for some time as the various leaders in the party jockey for positions. Silver, Cuomo and Paterson will each envision himself as the leaders of their party over the next couple of years.

The voters of New York have now seen two out of the four statewide elected officials from 2006 resign under the cloud of disgraceful and criminal scandal. That is not a good average. The Republican Party must effectively present a different model of responsible and proud governance.

We have an opportunity here, and we cannot let it pass. This fall, with the Democrats discredited and demoralized, we must work to strengthen our majority in the Senate and enlarge our numbers in the Assembly.

Christopher Dziedzic is the Chair of the NYSYR. He will not be taking questions. Thank you very much. He will report back to you in short order. Thank you very much.

Governor Spitzer Resigns

On March 12th, Christopher Dziedzic, Chairman of the New York State Young Republicans, released the following statement:

“Today is bittersweet. We have just learned that Governor Spitzer will step aside effective Monday, March 17th. These past few days have certainly been the darkest in New York’s long history.

“I do want to thank the Governor for sparing us any more of the torture that we have already endured.

“An impeachment procedure would have derailed our elected officials even more, causing an even later budget -- it is best that the Empire State moves on and away from another Albany scandal, for the good of its constituents. I paraphrase President Ford when I say that our long nightmare is over.

“This nightmare began on Day One when Governor Spitzer stated that everything was going to change, and it certainly did. A plan for drivers licenses for illegal aliens, improperly using state employees to discredit the Senate Majority Leader, the new ‘crack tax’ initiative, and many other conflicts are all apart of this 14 month-long embarrassment known as the Spitzer Administration.

“I, again, wish to state that all of our prayers are with Mrs. Spitzer and her three daughters as they, too, try to move forward, out of the public’s eye.

“We must look ahead to the new administration, pass a smaller state budget, on time, and get back to working on the real issues affecting the Citizens of New York State.”

The NYSYR conducted an online petition drive among New York’s Young Republicans to tell the Governor to resign. Within the first 48 hours, about 700 signatures were gathered statewide.

On the Road with the Chairman

Stop #1: White Plains, NY
On Wednesday, February 6th, Chris traveled to White Plains, New York to drop in on the Westchester Young Republicans monthly meeting. Under new chair Rob Biagi, the Westchester YRs are looking to rebuild their chapter into one of the long established bedrocks of the state. The monthly meeting was held at Westchester GOP headquarters on Mamaroneck Avenue at 8:00 PM. Joseph Acocella, Harrison Town Clerk, was the guest speaker.

Stop #2: Oswego, NY
On the weekend of February 8th and 9th, Chris was up in Oswego, New York along with many other YRs for a targeted campaign effort – this one in Senate District 48, to help Will Barclay in that well publicized special election. YRs from Albany, Broome, New York, Onondaga, Oswego, Saratoga and Washington Counties traveled out to pitch in. You can see some photos of the effort on http://www.newzjunky.com/news/0210barclay3.htm

Stop #3: Albany, NY
Chris traveled out to Albany on the weekend of February 29th to March 2nd. That weekend was the NYSYR Leadership Conference and Spring Board Meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn. The focus was on a fundraising school put together by the Leadership Institute. The annual Teddy Roosevelt Dinner was highlighted by Wheeler Milmoe Award winner Assemblyman Lou Tobacco. On Sunday, the board meeting had three congressional candidates, Lee Zeldin (CD 1), Sandy Treadwell (CD 20), and Mike Rocque (CD 20), address the assembled YRs.

Out in Right Field

by Julius Ponds

Back on March 1, 2008, the Colombian military crossed over the border into Ecuador to take out an encampment of FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) terrorists. That action caused a short-term diplomatic crisis and Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez used the action to engage in some saber-rattling and anti-American propaganda.

First, the United States should support a fellow democratic nation that has implemented the Bush Doctrine. Colombia also has the right to treat nations that harbor or give aid to terrorist groups as they would the terrorists themselves, just as we have done with the Taliban in Afghanistan. Colombia also made the wise decision to pursue its interests in a unilateral, military strike. It did not waste time spinning wheels in the Organization of American States (OAS) or Rio Group meetings while terrorists were receiving sanctuary just across the Colombian frontier.

Secondly, in a South American climate that sees the leftist tyrant Hugo Chavez constantly raising his profile and building connections throughout the hemisphere, it is all the more important to cement our support and friendships with those nations, like Colombia, who seek it.

The United States should stand behind Colombia whole-heartedly. That means giving it the diplomatic support in its drive to suppress terrorists groups and to stand up to regional delinquents like Hugo Chavez. It also means approving the free trade agreement with Colombia. As we have learned the hard way over the past eight years, in times of trouble, the true friends of the United States are few and far between. We must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a true friend like Colombia.

NYSYR Leadership Conference

As history teaches us, a groundswell of popular support or opposition can make the difference on any political issue. The grassroots are the key to affecting change at the local level.

The events of the New York State Young Republicans Spring Board Meeting & Leadership Conference sought to improve the grassroots-organizing skills of New York State’s Young Republicans and recognize those Republicans who have made a difference in the past year.

The Arlington, V.A.-based Leadership Institute joined us for the weekend, bringing some well-seasoned grassroots and fundraising experts to share their knowledge with us.

Nancy Bocskor kicked off the school with her thorough seminar on effective fundraising techniques and strategies.

Ms. Bocskor is a nationally recognized educator, speaker and author, named a “Rising Star in Politics” by Campaigns and Elections magazine, and profiled in the Wall Street Journal as one of the “top PAC-party organizers,” has now been tagged an international Democracy Coach by Die Welt. Having worked on numerous campaigns helping candidates achieve their financial goals, she works to inspire citizen activists to take the proven path to positive politics: Passion Driven Leadership.

She emphasized the need to understand your constituency, particularly what attracts wealthy donors, medium-dollar donors, and low-dollar donors.

Organizing a Finance Committee whose members are skilled at salesmanship is ideal, plus they should know how to work their contacts effectively for the candidate.

The Leadership Institute’s Chris Malagisi and Jennifer Hoff also presented strategies on how to organize campaigns and utilize new media, such as blogs and YouTube, to succeed in 21st century politics.

Both brought their own extensive political experience into their presentations.

Malagisi, the grassroots coordinator for the Leadership Institute, most recently served as the National Youth Director for Fred Thompson’s Presidential Campaign.

Hoff currently serves as the public affairs liaison for the Michigan Townships Association where she develops and maintains a strong public image for township government in Michigan. Previously, she served as a regional communications manager for the Michigan State Legislature’s House Republican Communications Services.

Teddy Roosevelt Dinner

The New York State Young Republicans completed their productive day at the Grassroots School with their annual Teddy Roosevelt Dinner in Jack’s Oyster Bar & Steak House on Albany’s State Street.

Among the guests that evening included candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in Delaware, Christine O’Donnell, who spoke about staying true to conservative values in her race against incumbent Democratic Senator Joe Biden.

Besides juicy steak, open bar, and conversation with YRs from around the state, one of the main highlights of the evening was the annual awards ceremony.

The first award is for Club of the Year, which was awarded to the Steuben County YRs.

The second award is for New York State Young Republican of the Year, which was awarded to Secretary of the Brooklyn Young Republican Club and Editor-in-Chief of the GOPyr, Jonathan Judge. Judge thanked all the YR clubs from around the state, saying that it was due to their ingenuity and activism that we are able to brag so proudly about the many accomplishments of New York’s Young Republicans in our newsletter.

The final and most distinguished award is for New York State Assemblyman of the Year, which was awarded to Assemblyman Lou Tobacco of the 62nd A.D. in Staten Island. Assemblyman Tobacco was particularly grateful for this award and spoke about the common sense ideals he and his Republican colleagues have been trying to push in the State Assembly.

The night was complete with after-dinner socializing at a couple of the local pubs in the area, reveling in what turned out to be a wonderful evening for the State YRs.

Steuben YRs: Club of the Year

by Peter Halliday, Steuben YRs

The Steuben County Young Republican Club has been recognized as the Club of the Year by the New York State Young Republicans this past March.

“Steuben County is leading the way for small counties in terms of campaign involvement and positive impact for local Republicans,” said NYSYR Chairman Chris Dziedzic.

“Through blogs, podcasting, and videos, President Peter Halliday and his team are also using the Internet to multiply their impact. That is impressive, particularly in a rural county.”

Dziedzic also cited the successful state board meeting that was held in Riverside last September as well as the increase in membership and activity for the club during 2007.

“We were able to put 30 Young Republicans on the ground working to elect one of our own members, Tom Reed, as an upset winner for Mayor of Corning,” commented Halliday when asked what the most exciting accomplishment of the year was. “To win what many people consider the most prestigious award the state gives out is something that really caps off a great 2007 for our group.”

Halliday credited the leadership and members of the club for the award. “We have a great group, but there is always room for more young professionals who want to get involved in local and county politics.”

In the last two years, the group has kept growing. The vast majority of the people that are members are new to the world of local politics. Halliday looks forward to focusing on creating a legacy of an active Young Republican club in the county for many decades to come.

The advice that Halliday gives other small clubs is that any club can accomplish what the Steuben YRs have.

“We have a very rural county that is spread out, and it is one of the largest in the state. We have people willing to cross the county and drive 45 minutes each month to attend meetings. We credit that with keeping our meetings interesting. We try to focus on action; giving people something they can do afterwards. We try to cast a vision that’s bigger than the group. If it can be accomplished by the group alone, then the vision isn’t big enough for us.

“Most of it is just working really hard, staying focused, and never giving up.”

NYSYR Spring Board Meeting

The State YRs had a full agenda at its board meeting on Sunday, March 2nd.

The Livingston County Young Republicans, represented by Cricket-Ellen Knight and Aaron Galvin presented their application to join the Association of New York State Young Republican Clubs, Inc., as did Terry Wilbur and Scott McManus from the Oswego County YRs.

However, it was clear that they did not have to do much convincing, as they were both unanimously welcomed into the New York State Young Republican family.

In addition, we had quite a few distinguished guests address us. Christopher Nixon Cox, Executive Director of Senator John McCain’s Presidential Campaign in New York State, talked about his job to make sure that McCain wins New York in November. Additionally, Luke Mroz spoke briefly about Ron Paul’s campaign for the Republican nomination.

Chris Callaghan, former candidate for New York State Comptroller, also stopped by to offer his famous humorous commentary on the state of politics in Albany.

Candidates for the 20th Congressional District Sandy Treadwell and Mike Rocque spoke about their respective campaigns and what they will bring to the table if nominated to challenge first-term incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand.

Lee Zeldin, running for Congress in the 1st Congressional District against incumbent Democrat Tim Bishop, argues that Long Island needs a “bulldog” to fight for a more affordable Long Island, to improve national defense and secure our borders while taking better care of our veterans, and doing more for our senior citizens.

Finally, the Staten Island Young Republican Club presented an impressive proposal to host the NYSYR’s Summer Board meeting in June. More details on the summer board meeting will be forthcoming.

YR Club Notes

Brooklyn YRs

The Brooklyn YRs hosted Christopher Nixon Cox, grandson of President Richard Nixon and Senator John McCain’s Executive Director for his campaign in New York at their March meeting. Heavily attended, Brooklyn learned that it would be host to a satellite McCain campaign office and New York City will be targeted by McCain’s campaign to deliver a win for the Senator this November.

At its April meeting, the club unanimously elected a new slate of officers for the 2008-2009 year: Jonathan Judge, President; Samuel Rivera, Vice President; Christina Bennett, Secretary; and Alex Buchholz, Treasurer. Past-President Bob Capano was elevated to Chairman of the club’s Board of Directors.

Usually meet the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Brooklyn YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.BrooklynYR.com
BrooklynYR@gmail.com
(Jonathan Judge, President)
(718) 360-9583

Capital District YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Capital District YR’s website.

Contact Information:

www.CapitalYR.org

Dutchess County YRs

Usually meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 PM in the Poughkeepsie Grand, 40 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie NY. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Dutchess County YR’s website or e-mail them.

Contact Information:
www.DutchessYR.com
angelaflesland@yahoo.com
(Angela Flesland, President)

Livingston County YRs

The Livingston County YRs, whose application was presented by Vice President Cricket-Ellen Knight and President Aaron Galvin (pictured to the left), were formally credentialed at the Spring 2008 Board Meeting in Albany. Congratulations and welcome to the NYSYR family!

For more information about the club, e-mail Aaron Galvin at agalvin@frontiernet.net.

Monroe County YRs

Usually meet on the third Thursday of the month (except July & August), Spot Coffee, 200 East Avenue, Rochester. For the latest meeting and events information,
please e-mail the Monroe County YRs.

Contact Information:
pkgullo@yahoo.com
(Paul Gullo, Chairman)

Nassau County YRs
Usually meet the fourth Thursday at 8PM of the month at Mineola Knights of Columbus Hall, 186 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola. For the latest meeting and events information, please visit the Nassau County YR’s website or e-mail them.

Contact Information:
www.NassauYRs.com
NassauYRs@gmail.com
(Andrew Stream, President)

New York YRs

The New York YRs are holding their Annual Alumni Dinner on June 25, 2008. Tickets are on sale at www.nyyrc.com.

For the latest meeting and events information, please visit the New York YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.NYYRC.com
info@nyyrc.com

Oneida County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please call the Oneida County YRs.

Contact Information:
(315) 542-1974 (JP Kidwell)

Onondaga County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Onondaga County YRs.

Contact Information:
www.ocyrepublicans.org
rick.cordaro@ieee.org
(Rick Cordaro, Chairman)

Ontario County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Ontario County YRs.

Contact Information:
OntarioYRs@gmail.com
(Ellis Oster, Chairman)

Orange County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Orange County YRs.

Contact Information:
www.ocyrs.com
www.myspace.com/ocnyyr
Lorena609@gmail.com
(Lorena Villegas, Corresponding Sec’y)

Oswego County YRs

The Oswego County YRs, whose application was presented by Terry Wilbur (l) and Scott McManus (r) (pictured to the left), were formally credentialed at the Spring 2008 Board Meeting in Albany. Congratulations and welcome to the NYSYR family! For more information, please contact Terry Wilbur at tmwilbur1@hotmail.com or Scott McManus at scottmcm@twcny.rr.com.

Queens YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail or call the Queens YRs.

Contact Information:
www.qcyr.org
info@qcyr.org
(Rich Alicea, Chairman)
(718) 418-7873

Rockland County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail or call the Rockland County YRs.

Contact Information:
www.rcgop.org/Young_republicans.html
frankieps3@aol.com
(Frank Sparaco, Chairman)
(845) 323-9099

Saratoga County YRs

Meet usually at 7:30 PM at Saratoga GOP Headquarters, 77 Van Dam Street, Saratoga Springs, NY. For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Saratoga County YRs.

Contact Information:
SaratogaCountyYoungRepublicans.org
mveitch201@hotmail.com
(Michael Veitch, Chairman)

Staten Island YRs

The Staten Island YRs were unanimously chosen to host the NYSYR’s Summer Board meeting. More information will be available shortly.

Usually meet the third Tuesday of every month at Canlon's Restaurant, 1825 N Railroad Avenue, Staten Island, NY. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Staten Island YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.YoungRepublicans.info
info@youngrepublicans.info

Steuben County YRs

The Steuben County YRs were named the YR Club of the Year at the NYSYR’s annual Teddy Roosevelt Dinner. Congrats!

Usually meet last Thursday of Every month at 7 PM upstairs at Captain Morgan's at 36 Bridge St., Corning, NY. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Steuben YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.SteubenYR.com
SteubenYR.blogspot.com
phalliday@steubenyr.com
(Peter Halliday, Chairman)

Suffolk County YRs

Usually meet last Thursday of the month (except in July & August), Bobbique, 70 W. Main St. in Patchogue, NY, 7:00 PM, Networking/Social; 8:00 PM, Meeting. For the latest meeting and events information, please visit the Suffolk County YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.SuffolkYoungRepublicans.com
chrscm@gmail.com
(Chris Como, Chairman)

Warren County YRs

Usually meet on the 1st Friday of the month. For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Warren County YRs.

Contact Information:
www.freewebs.com/wcyr
Warrencountyyrs@gmail.com
(Gabe Bedore, Chairman)

Washington County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Washington County YRs.

Contact Information:
myspace.com/washingtoncountyyrs
WCYRepublicans@gmail.com

Westchester County YRs

Contact Information:
www.WestchesterYRs.com
robdokwon@hotmail.com
(Rob Biagi, Chairman)

Profile: Christine O'Donnell for U.S. Senate in Delaware

Christine O’Donnell joined the New York State Young Republicans at our annual Teddy Roosevelt Dinner as our special guest speaker.

She’s running for the Republican nomination in Delaware to challenge incumbent Democratic United States Senator, Joseph Biden.

She first ran in 2006 for United States Senate against Senator Tom Carper as a write-in candidate, gaining almost 12,000 write-in votes, or 5% of the total votes cast, according to the Delaware Department of Elections.

Christine is no stranger to the world of government and politics. Most recently, she appears frequently as a commentator on Fox News, CNN, C-SPAN, FNC’s O’Reilly Factor, Hannity & Colmes, MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews, and others.

In her twenty year career, Christine has served as a social advocate in Washington, D.C., participating in regular White House and Capitol Hill strategy meetings, and leading delegations to the United Nations to lobby on behalf of pro-family global policies. She’s successfully debated Cabinet members, Congressmen and international leaders.

In the early 1990’s, Christine worked at the Republican National Committee developing the marketing strategy that then-Chairman Haley Barbour directly credited as having a key role in the historic ’94 Republican Congressional sweep.

Christine also serves as a marketing and media consultant to various clients such as Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ, Natalia Tsarkova, the Vatican’s first female portrait painter, and non-profit organizations such as the World Education and Development Fund, a charity that provides scholarships to children in poor communities throughout Latin America.

She strongly believes that the Republican Party’s ability to win victories depends on strong advocacy of its core values, because the party has won in the past precisely because it has stood as the party of principle. As such, she has made four pledges to the people of Delaware as their United States Senate candidate. She will (1) never vote to increase taxes, (2) limit herself to two terms in office, (3) never vote for “pork barrel spending” or corrupt “favors”, and (4) will always vote in favor of life and in support of families. On this platform, Christine expects a good fight for the Senate seat, but one which will resonate with the voters of Delaware and will lead to Republican victory in the Fall.

(Photo: Christine O’Donnell, candidate for United States Senate in Delaware against incumbent Democratic Senator Joseph Biden, with NYSYR Chairman Chris Dziedzic)

Tusk Talk with Tusk Harper

Dear Tusk,

I need help. Just a few months ago it felt like everyone loved me, and yet I've become the butt of jokes. It might be related to my tendency to go on power trips, or perhaps my gigantic ego, but I think it has something to do with my tendency to pay for intimate evenings with women other than my wife. What should I do?

From: Easy on the East Side

Dear Easy,

You seem to be in a bit of a pickle, but in all honesty I think it's of your own creation. It doesn't feel so good to be publicly steam-rolled, huh? You need to face facts: you will drop out of the spotlight in shame and your career (and life) has been altered. Plot comebacks all you want, but the people of New York state have been paying for a lot more than a fun night since you took office.

Dear Tusk,

My roommate is a horrible snorer. I can barely get two hours' sleep some nights. Short of physical violence, which is quickly becoming an attractive option, what can I do to get some badly needed REM shut eye?

Sleepless in Sleepy Hollow

Dear Sleepless,

It's fascinating how the people who snore the loudest also happen to be the ones who fall asleep the quickest. I have had many situations where I have been tempted to take my pillow and smother the snorer next to me, but that would be uncivilized. (Besides, Tusk Talk does not condone homicide.) My recommendation would be one of two things: either find a new roommate or encourage him to buy those adhesive things to stick on his nose to limit the snoring. If all else fails, perhaps you should invest in some sleep medication for yourself. (But Tusk Talk also does not condone sleeping medication addiction.) Go count some sheep!

Questions? Write Tusk at tuskharper@yahoo.com.