NYSYR Holiday Dinner 2007

A Message from NYSYR Chairman Christopher Dziedzic

Over the last couple of months, I have written at length about the plans of the new administration of the NYSYR that took office in May after our Biennial Convention. In our campaign platform we recognized that, "The continued success of the NYSYR, and in fact the entire Republican party, is based upon victory in three ongoing battles. We must be able to contribute significantly to the battle of numbers, the battle of wallets, and the battle of ideas.”

I have taken some time to discuss the battle of numbers and the battle of wallets in the last two editions of the GOPyr. This month I want to talk about the battle of ideas and the role of the NYSYR in it.

I think as activists and candidates, we have come across those in our own party who are not as well equipped as they should be for leadership. We have also come across as candidates who may not be as informed as they should be to be effective campaigners or office holders. We all want successful election results after a couple of heart wrenching campaign cycles in New York State. One of the best ways to ensure those victories in the fall of 2007, the fall of 2008 and beyond, is by ensuring our candidates, and the campaign staffers who work with them are the best trained and the best informed. Do they know the right message on the issues? Do they know how to target the right voters who will turn out to vote? Do they know the right sources for fundraising?

One of the steps the NYSYR is taking to further our efforts in the battle of ideas is by organizing and hosting a leadership conference for early 2008. We are excited to be working to bring a series of highly qualified and motivating speakers into New York, to train not only the Young Republicans, but any of our friends and colleagues. By imparting key knowledge and a blueprint for success, the NYSYR plans to be on the forefront of the Republican groundswell of success over the next couple of years. I hope you will join us in that effort!

Christopher Dziedzic is the Chair of the NYSYR. Send your questions, comments, and attempted explanations for the Scott Kazmir – Victor Zambrano trade to chairman@nysyr.us.

A Message from Executive Director Rick Cordaro

One area where we YRs can band together to support one another outside of politics is through our professional lives. Many YRs work in industry or own their own businesses. We have members who are attorneys, real estate agents, insurance sales people, engineers, consultants, and serve in many other professions. At some point, one member may need the goods or services another member provides. Shouldn't we have a way to connect them in these areas?

I think so, and so, I am going to create a portion of our web site that allows any YR to promote their products or services. If you would like to be listed in the YR professional directory, please send your name, email address, web site, and one sentence description of your product or service (for example "real estate agent in Onondaga county" or "political consulting in the New York City area") to executivedir@nysyr.us. Hopefully this will be a valuable resource for all of us.

YRs at the Plate: Tom Reed

Lives In: Corning, NY
YR Status: Member, Steuben YRs
Occupation: Lawyer & Entrepreneur
Running For: Mayor of Corning
Website: www.Citizens4Reed.com

Tom Reed is a third-generation resident of Corning, NY. His grandfather established the family in the City of Corning when he emigrated to the United States and began working at the famous Corning Glass Works factory.

Tom, who is the youngest of 12 children in his family, attended Alfred University, where he majored in Political Science. He later graduated with his J.D. from Ohio Northern University Law School.

Living in Corning with his wife Jean, and his two children, Autumn and Will, he runs his own law practice that specializes in municipal law and contracts law, and owns several businesses including a real estate development company. He is also a partner in a mortgage brokerage.

Always considering public service as an option in the future, when the Corning City Republican Party lost the Mayoralty and the Common Council after decades of victories, Tom was elected Chairman of the party and helped it recover and reorganize.

Meanwhile, the Corning press uncovered scandal after scandal with Mayor Frank Coccho, the first Democratic mayor in 50 years, not to mention reporting consistent talk from the Mayor about tax increases.

That’s why Tom decided to run for Mayor this November, with the broad support of the Corning City Republican Party. Tom is running on a platform of restoring honesty and civility to the Office of the Mayor. He advocates for a fiscally conservative and efficient government that explores sharing municipal services with neighboring towns and cities to cut costs, and he wants to preserve the city manager form of local government. Most importantly, he will establish an open door policy to increase the accessibility of the Mayor’s Office.

And as for his fellow Steuben County YRs, Tom said gratefully, “They have been extremely influential and supportive of his campaign.”

What's My Caption?

Join the GOPyr in its caption contest for the picture above featuring our State Chairman Chris Dziedzic!

All you have to do is submit your clever caption for the above picture to Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Judge at JJJudge@gmail.com by November 4th. The winning caption and the two runners-up will be printed in the November 2007 issue. Happy captioning!

Why the YRNF Needs a Change

by Lynn Krogh, NYSYR Vice Chair

YRs across New York State have seen, on our website and Yahoo groups, that the NYSYR Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution at our Fall Executive Board Meeting, regarding our participation in the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF). As Vice Chair of the NYSYR and former Communications Director of the YRNF, I thought it appropriate that I write for the GOPyr, bringing you up to speed on our reasons behind this important act.

First, I'd like to give you a bit of history, on the relationship the YRNF and the NYSYR have had for these last years.

Back in the 1990s, under former NYSYR Chairman Sal Calise, New York was famous for throwing parties and exciting affairs during YRNF functions, particularly meetings.

At the same time, the YRNF had exciting speakers, fantastic seminars and campaign schools, worthwhile trainings, and much larger turnouts, allowing more people to network and giving attendees something to actually write home about.

It was also a time where the YRNF had clout. It was a time where the Republican National Committee and the YRNF worked together, actually communicating about campaigns and upcoming conferences.

When I began participating in 2001, my first meeting was in Jacksonville, FL and it was a fantastic time. While meeting many people, I began to understand how these meetings ran and how the YRs in New York were really a great group, but most of all, I realized that we had more YRs there than any other state, typically more than the host state, and this trend continued up through March of 2007.

Over the years, 2001 to 2007, I missed two meetings: Fall 2002 for a friend's wedding and Spring 2003 because of a death in the family. Most recently, I opted to save money and skip the 2007 Convention, (which I'm told from some YR friends around the country, was a good move).

I have been to about twenty different states, often more than once, to help YR candidates, help campaign for their candidate, attend a YRNF Meeting or just to visit. I'm certain that there are others who have attended more and spent more money on these types of activities.

I know that I've spent thousands of dollars on these "meetings". I know the NYSYR has also spent in the thousands, hosting parties (typically the best ones) and paying for our Chairman, National Committeeman, and National Committeewoman to participate in these "meetings".

Now many of us are asking the question, is it worth all this money? What is the cost-benefit analysis of this participation level?

Let me explain why it's NOT worth it.

Over these last years, the NYSYR, one of the largest, most prominent, most active state organizations in the nation, is consistently supporting the YRNF financially, through "meeting" attendees, through participation in recent initiatives like "Support Our Troops" and "Community Service Day," and by crossing our state lines to aid in campaign efforts, time and time again.

Simply put, the NYSYR gets nothing in return. We've been trashed, called every derogatory name in the book, but most of all, we're given no respect. And those who have continued to participate at the very high level, that many of us have, find it extraordinarily difficult to continue to give, and give, and give when there is no reciprocation.

(As I'm sure you've noticed, I've put the word meeting in quotes, and for good reason. For the last 2 years, these meetings have been a joke. Orchestrations made up of silly PowerPoint presentations, reports filled with nonsense, and positions doled out to those with the brownest noses--typically with no mention to that person's State Chair, mind you.)

It’s been the mantra of the YRNF to take from the states, making for a stronger YRNF. They have it backwards and don't see the value of investing in the state organizations, which ultimately makes for a stronger YRNF.

Alongside a cost-benefit analysis, you must factor in the political, and I'm not talking straight politics, Republican versus Democrat. I'm talking the politics of politics, Republican vs. Republican. The underbelly of the YRNF is ugly. It’s hideous and frankly speaking, it's getting uglier.

The YRNF takes no responsibility for its leadership, allowing it to steamroll states, and take advantage of them financially, for example, charging $2,500 to have the YRNF advertise your state as part of their campaign blitz and "help" with campaign efforts.

The leadership, especially as of late, certainly helped the NYSYR to make such an easy decision regarding our participation. When former Chairman Murphy resigned and a new Chairman assumed the role, the first act of the new Chair was to appoint a new Co-Chair with the consent of the YRNF Executive Boar--an act that left the position of Vice Chair at-Large open and an act in violation of the YRNF's governing documents.

Instead of making right, the current board rallied around the their decision, calling State Chairs, and (lying to many of them) speaking of nonsensical "emergency powers" and the urgency of filling a position that has no specific powers, while leaving open a spot that has specific duties outlined for it.

Now, the position of Vice Chair at-Large will have an election, at the next YRNF. Meeting and frankly, most New Yorkers could care less. The difference between the YRNF of 1993 and 2007 is simple. The YRNF of 1993' actually had something to offer, had respect for its states and was a YRNF you actually liked to participate in. Now, the YRNF is too busy ensuring that "their people" are in power of this useless organization. They're more concerned with the internal politics that come with any organization, than with the external, more important politics of electing Republicans.

Until the YRNF cleans up its act, starts to hold its leadership accountable and makes it a priority to focus on the real elections, not the next National Chair’s Race, the NYSYR will not actively participate in its activities.

We'll continue, however, to invest our money in the YR county chapters that we've worked so hard to build up in New York State over these last 6 years.
Lynn Krogh is the Vice Chair of the NYSYR and President of the NYYRC.

The Resolution Regarding the Young Republican National Federation

WHEREAS, the Association of New York State Young Republican Clubs, Inc. (NYSYR, Inc.) is affiliated with the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF); and

WHEREAS, the NYSYR and its members have been regularly involved with the activities of the YRNF; and

WHEREAS, the NYSYR is the credentialed, recognized and affiliated Young Republican State Organization in New York; and

WHEREAS, the NYSYR recognizes the vital role of New York in the upcoming 2008 Presidential and Congressional races; and

WHEREAS, the NYSYR values the Republican principles of accountability and taking responsibility for one’s actions; and

WHEREAS, the NYSYR does not approve of the methods by which the YRNF has addressed the resignation of YRNF leaders and YRNF’s failure to hold said leaders accountable.

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED THAT:

The Executive Board of the NYSYR has determined that NYSYR will concentrate its efforts on helping the Republican party within the State of New York, and other specific efforts to help the party nationally, and it will no longer proactively participate in YRNF functions, including, but not limited to (1) withholding any and all contributions to the YRNF other than mandatory dues and (2) not funding travel or expenses for any NYSYR member who attends a YRNF event.

DULY ADOPTED by the Executive Board of the Association of the New York State Young Republicans this 15th day of September, 2007.

On the Road with the Chairman

Since the last issue of the GOPyr newsletter, Chairman Chris Dziedzic has been busy in his travels around the state on behalf of the New York State Young Republicans.

Stop #1: Queensbury, NY

“I traveled to Queensbury, NY on Saturday, August 25th. The Warren County YRs hosted WCYR Family Fun Day 2007 as their first major fundraising event. It was held at Adventure Racing in Queensbury, NY. Activities included go-karts, Star Wars Laser Tag, bumper cars, and rock climbing. Food and refreshments were provided as well, all for very reasonable $15 a person.”

Stop #2: Tuxedo, NY

“A number of us were in Tuxedo, NY on Saturday, September 8th for a NYSYR Leadership Retreat and Social. Those who attended were Vice Chair Lynn Krogh, National Committeeman Ed Torres, National Committeewoman Kristin Coffey, Parliamentarian Ed Lass, Chief of Staff Brian Graybow and myself. Some great team building and networking took place.”

Stop #3: Corning, NY

“On Friday, September 14th, I traveled out to Corning. That night there was a fundraiser at the Radisson for Young Republican Tom Reed, the mayoral candidate for Corning. Having spent four years in the Elmira-Corning area while at Elmira College while earning my BA, it was a treat to be able to reconnect with old friends.

“The next day was the NYSYR Fall Board Meeting at the Corning Country Club. It was a productive meeting with a lunch highlighted by Assemblyman Jim Bacalles and former Congressman Amo Houghton. After the meeting and lunch, the YR spent a couple hours doing a targeted literature drop in Corning for YR and mayoral candidate Tom Reed. A bused winery tour along Keuka Lake was capped by a sit down diner featuring Steuben GOP Chairman Bill Hatch and Congressman Randy Kuhl.”

Campaigning 101: The Do’s & Don’ts

by Chris Friend, Chemung YRs

Running for political office can be a daunting task. The road up to the day of the election is long and you will question if you are doing enough to reach the voters. I have compiled a few tips that I felt were important during my successful run for a seat on the Chemung County Legislature last year.

Candidacy

Before announcing your intention to run, make sure you have the support of your family and friends. They will also be making sacrifices during this process. The next group you need to contact is your local GOP committee members. They can provide you with invaluable advice. They have interacted with many candidates and know both what is successful and what needs to be done in your district. Be sure to send a thank-you letter to your local GOP members who were able to help you out.

Petition Phase

Although you do not need to fill in the vacancy committee on your petitions, you should consider filling this committee with at least one representative from each district you are hoping to represent. Also, you should personally carry your petition in each district and obtain the required number of signatures for your name to appear on the ballot. This is a time consuming process. However, the voters want to meet the candidate running for office and this provides them with an opportunity to speak with you directly on a one-to-one basis. It is a good idea to send a letter thanking each member of your vacancy committee as well everyone who signed your petitions. If you had a conversation with an individual, you will want to include a note about that discussion.

You will also want to leave a palm card or small informational flyer with each person you interact with. This card should have your background information, experience, and a statement about why you’re running for office. This card should include the date of the election as well as a statement asking them to vote for you. While walking the district, if no one is home, leave your flyer with a note stating that you were sorry to have missed them.

Campaign Phase

Focus on your experiences and local issues. Do not focus on the other candidate or even bring up the other candidate. The voters need to learn about you and why you are running. They want to know what motivates you and how you will behave in office. Be sure to discover and listen to their concerns and keep records of these conversations.

Signs

When signs go up this is another chance for you to interact with the voters. Don’t be content only to put a sign next door or across the street from your opponent’s sign. Talk to the person who has your opponent’s sign. They may be willing to put up your sign, but more importantly they may be willing to vote for you.

Mailings/Block Parties

You may need to have neighborhood or block parties in districts where it is difficult to meet the voters. Also consider interacting with local service organizations and clubs or having a meet and greet at a local park, restaurant or store.

Mass mailings are also effective close to the election. Two mailings are probably sufficient. The first mailing should occur about one month prior to the election. This should be an informative mailing to let the voters know who you are and why you’re running. Schedule the second mailing to arrive about five days prior to the election to remind voters of the upcoming election and ask for their support by voting for you.

Media

Press releases, announcements, TV, radio, and billboards will need to be decided on a case by case basis. These can be time-consuming and expensive. You can probably do without these unless there is a major issue that you need to address. You may be more effective walking the district and talking to the voters on an individual or small group basis.

Election Day

The weekend prior to the election consider having a phone bank of volunteers to remind people to vote. You will want to keep the phone call short and try to have the volunteers call those voters that they know personally. On Election Day have poll workers collect sign in sheets. Cross reference these with your list of anticipated voters and call those people who have not voted.

Just remember, your election depends upon the voters.

I would like to thank the NYS Young Republicans, the Steuben YR Club, the voters of Chemung County Legislative District 2, my family and especially my wife, Renée. It has been an honor to serve in our democratic process.

NYSYR Fall Meeting in Steuben County

by Peter Halliday, Steuben YRs

The Fall Board Meeting for the New York State Young Republicans was hosted this year in beautiful Steuben County from September 14th to September 16th. The weekend contained a perfect mix of business, socializing, and political activity.

It started off with a fundraiser for Tom Reed, a member of the Steuben County Young Republicans who is running for Mayor of the City of Corning. The fundraiser was a stellar event with twelve Young Republican members showing their support for our candidate.

The next day we were in for a real treat. We started the day at the Corning Country Club, which hosts the annual LPGA Corning Classic golf tournament.

During the business portion of our meeting, we heard reports from various county clubs, NYSYR officers, and discussed issues concerning the NYSYR’s involvement with the Young Republican National Federation and a resolution adopted by the NYSYR Executive Board that morning.

After the business portion of our meeting, we were treated to a scrumptious lunch while hearing from Assemblyman Jim Bacalles, and former Congressman Amo Houghton. Both hit home great lessons from their years in office as well as offering advice on how to succeed in politics.

Following lunch, we went door to door to help two City Council candidates and Tom Reed for Mayor. The literature drop was targeted with precision, so people were able to deliver the materials quickly to key voters. It was a great chance for Republicans from around the state to help Republicans in Corning win back the Mayoralty and the Corning City Council, both of which were under Republican control until recently.

However, the pinnacle of the experience was, undoubtedly, the winery tours. While tasting wines, we enjoyed some live music at Heron Hill Winery, which was a blast. Bully Hill Winery has certainly left an unforgettable impression as the son of the owner treated us to a tasting that was the most fun you could have at a winery--more so than even tasting the wine! We then concluded the evening with another hearty meal as we heard from the Chairman of the Steuben County Republican Party, Bill Hatch and Congressman Randy Kuhl.

I’m sure that many can tell you who were there that it was a stellar event that few will forget.

Peter Halliday is the Chairman of the Steuben County Young Republicans.

YR Club Notes

Brooklyn YRs

The Brooklyn YRs have been actively working for their Presidential candidate of choice, Rudy Giuliani. On September 26th, they held a House Party Fundraiser to help boost Mr. Giuliani’s third quarter numbers, raising over $500 for his campaign!

Next Event: Wednesday, November 14th at 7:30 PM with WABC’s Curtis Sliwa, location to be announced. Visit BrooklynYR.com for the latest details.

Usually meet the second Wednesday or second Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Brooklyn YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.BrooklynYR.com
BrooklynYR@gmail.com
(Bob Capano, 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

DCYR County Legislature candidate Angela Flesland won her Independence primary with over 80% of the vote. Jeff Magee, also running for County Legislature, won his Independence Primary by a significant margin as well.

There are quite a few other DCYRs who are running for local office. John Tkazyik is running for Mayor of Poughkeepsie, Erik Haight is running for re-election to the Poughkeepsie City Council, and Bill Beale is running for re-election to the Wappingers Town Council.

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 call them.

Contact Information:
www.DutchessYR.com
bryancranna@dutchessyr.com
(845) 264-5269
(Bryan Cranna, President)

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

Usually meet every third Thursday at 7 PM, Union League Club, 38 East 37th Street, New York, NY. Usually host socials the first Wednesday of the month. 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

The Oneida YRs are working to re-elect their County Executive, Tony Picente. Oneida YR Chairman, JP Kidwell, has volunteered to spearhead the campaign’s phone banks and “Get Out The Vote” (GOTV) efforts.

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

The Ontario YRs have been formally credentialed at the NYSYR’s Fall Meeting this September. The new club has grown over the past two months to a membership of 12, and has already held a social event and a summer picnic in August.

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

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

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

Queens YRs

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

Contact Information:
www.qcyr.org (Under Construction)
ralicea@gmail.com
(Rich Alicea, Chairman)
(718) 418-7873

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

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

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
phalliday@steubenyr.com
(Peter Halliday, Chairman)

Suffolk County YRs

Usually meet last Thursday of the month (except in July & August), Dave & Busters, 1856 Veterans Highway, Islandia, 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

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

Contact Information:
www.freewebs.com/wcyr
Bedoreg18@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

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

Contact Information:
www.WestchesterYRs.com
info@westchesteryrs.com

Tusk Talk with Tusk Harper

Dear Tusk, There is a cute intern working at my office. What are the rules for me asking her out? Is that still taboo? How should I open a set with her? There is a 10 year age difference, but because I am demonstrating higher value, she is flirtatious and friendly with me. From: Interested in Islip

Dear Interested,

Interns … where have I heard this story before? Your situation is one that poses many moral questions. There’s quite an age difference there but what you need to ask is: how appropriate is it to date someone at a significant age and maturity difference? If you have no qualms about the dating, then my suggestion is to begin your set with asking if she saw the fight outside over some guy named George.

Dear Tusk, Love your column! It’s been than Ann Landers and “Dear Abby” combined. What are you planning on dressing up as for Halloween? Any great conservative costume ideas you can recommend? Thanks as always! From: Dressing Up in the Garment District

Dear Dressing,

Thanks for the kind words. I’m of the belief that Halloween is not a holiday that good-natured Christians should partake in. However, I understand its mainstream significance. Costume shopping for a woman is difficult; you can’t dress up without looking like you belong on the street. If you’re a man, might I suggest dressing up as the 40th President of the United States, the Great Communicator himself, Ronald Reagan? Your friends would love to win one for the Gipper. Just be safe and be the same person you are on Saturday night as you are on Sunday morning.

Have a question? Write to Tusk at tuskharper@yahoo.com.

A Message from NYSYR Chairman Christopher Dziedzic

Last month, I started to expand on some of the main goals the current Executive Board has for the NYSYR. Earlier this year, I wrote that, "The continued success of the NYSYR, and in fact the entire Republican party, is based upon victory in three ongoing battles. We must be able to contribute significantly to the battle of numbers, the battle of wallets, and the battle of ideas.”

It is nice rhetoric, but how do Young Republicans put it into practice? How does the NYSYR contribute significantly to Republican efforts in the "battle of wallets?" We do it with the financial support of our Republican candidates.

During the 2006 election cycle, I am proud that our organization was able to hold successful fundraising events for our statewide Republican candidates that generated roughly $8,000 for gubernatorial candidate John Faso and approximately $6,000 for comptroller candidate, Chris Callaghan.

We also made significant donations to a variety of fellow Young Republicans who ran for office themselves. Congressional candidates Richard Hoffman and Italo Zanzi, State Senate candidates Flip Pidot and Viviana Hernandez, State Assembly candidates Yvette Bennett, Bill Faulk, Robert Heim, Patricia Laudano, Marcus Molinaro, Dan Panico, Chemung County Legislature candidate Chris Friend, and, in my own Town of Wappinger, Council candidate William Beale all received support in their bids—many of them successful.

However, as a wise man once said, any fool can spend money; it takes someone with smarts to raise money. As Young Republicans, we need to give a great deal of credit to former NYSYR Chair Jason Weingartner (2003-2007) who helped change the culture of the organization to one that aggressively fundraises. Jason instituted a pair of annual events to serve as fundraisers for our state federation. The Annual Holiday Dinner in Manhattan each December and the Annual Day at the Races in Saratoga Springs each August have successfully established revenue streams to give the NYSYR the solid financial foundation to take part in “the battle of wallets.” I have sought to build upon that developing a third annual fundraising event, an Annual Golf Outing, that we held in late May.

I’m enthusiastic about our financial strength and would encourage all of our county chapters to look at various fundraising options to establish themselves as local powerhouses, just as the NYSYR is now a statewide powerhouse.

Christopher Dziedzic is the Chair of the NYSYR. Send your questions, comments, suggestions and great chili recipes to chairman@nysyr.us.

YRs Beat Young Democrats; Win for Fallen Heroes Charity

by Lynn Krogh, New York YRs


The New York Young Republican Club showed the Manhattan Young Democrats just exactly how kickball is played, winning an extra-inning (10) match 6-4 on Saturday, August 11th, on Central Park's Great Lawn. The much-anticipated match-up was for charity, with all the players paying a fee to participate and donations were also taken. It was agreed in advance that the winner would donate the money to the charity of their choice.

Rather than see the winnings go to yet another environmental group of the YDs’ choosing, Club members put their best effort into the game, donating the day’s money to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Fallen Heroes provides grants to the families of military personnel who have given their lives in defense of America. Unlike many charities, Fallen Heroes gives 100 percent of its donations to military families, taking no money out for administrative costs, which are underwritten by the Fund’s trustees.

The event came together through the work of Community Outreach Chairmen Sean White and Alanna Crawford, Membership Chairman Craig Schwartz, and Board of Advisors Chair Sharlene Santercole. Zog Sports, a charity-focused sports league, sponsored the game and provided umpires to explain the rules and officiate the game.

The YR group was made up of people who have never played kickball and people who haven’t played since elementary school. In the end, experience didn’t matter, just the will to prove that the Democrats don’t hold a monopoly on victory in this town.

The New York Sun and FoxNews.com reported on the game and both the YRs and the YDs look forward to doing similar events in the future.

Lynn Krogh is the President of the NYYRC and Vice Chair of the NYSYR.

A Grand Old Party on a Midsummer’s Eve

by Jonathan Judge, Brooklyn YRs

It was the mystery event of the New York City Republican summer season—the Senate Summer Social on August 21st at Spiegeltent in Manhattan’s South Street Seaport.

Some of the local news blogs were chattering away about the speculation, saying that it might be the party’s substitute for former New York Governor George Pataki’s annual birthday fundraisers at the Seaport.

However, I only knew it as an e-mail invite I received from Scott Sala, of Urban Elephants.com fame, which billed the event as a FREE invitation-only “Exclusive New York City Networking Event” where one can join “Young Professionals in Politics, Business & Media for an evening of cocktails & conversation.”

While the word “Republican” was not to be seen so easily on the invite itself, as for the organizers, it could not be clearer for whom they planned this spectacular soiree. The event was the brainchild of Lisa Black of Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno’s Public Affairs office and Dana Weisberg of Park Strategies, LLC, which is the government relations firm founded by former U.S. Senator Al D’Amato.

Young professionals and lots of Republicans: you bet that this was my kind of event!

Thought the skies were gray, the many canopies of Spiegeltent were filled with over 300 people, an air of conviviality, a spectacular view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the New York harbor, and, of course, politics.

I had just barely made my way towards the festivities with fellow Brooklyn YR Samuel Rivera, when I immediately came across Brooklyn’s State Senator Marty Golden and Staten Island District Attorney, Dan Donovan, both of whom were event sponsors. I also briefly chatted with J.C. Polanco, State Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco’s New York City Regional Director.

When I signed in at the door, I was given two free drink tickets and I was asked to drop my business card in the glass jar to be eligible to win some raffle prizes, which included dinners, shows, baseball, and some other nifty things.

Looking around, I noticed the Brooklyn Young Republican Club was well represented. Our President, Bob Capano was there with our Executive Director Georgea Kontzamanis, as well as Vice President Britta Vander Linden and her husband, Luke Vander Linden, who himself is a former President of the BYRC.

Naturally, it was a bit after 6 o’clock, and I was a little parched and hungry. So I headed straight for the bar, utilized one of my drink tickets, and then browsed the delectable sea-themed hors d’oevres, such as jumbo shrimp with cherry tomatoes, grilled tuna on cucumber, and slices of a smoked salmon and cream cheese wrap, which I guess is a variation of the New York’s favorite lox and shmear. Of course, I sampled each of them with delight.

Anyway, while enjoying the light fare, I bumped into AlarmingNews.com blogger and public relations consultant Karol Sheinin, with whom I had a pleasant chat about, among other things, the ongoing Renaissance of our hometown, Brooklyn.

Mingling a bit more, I had a rather engaging discussion about the upcoming Republican presidential primary with Avery Knapp, a spirited gentleman who has taken up the Ron Paul crusade in New York City, most recently by painting a rooftop in the East Village to read “Google Ron Paul”, as was noted by the Washington Post a few weeks ago.

However, Rudy Giuliani’s Presidential Committee was certainly not going to pass up an event like this in the Mayor’s hometown. “RUDY” stickers were abounding on lapels, dresses and bags throughout the event, and even Giuliani’s New York State Executive Director, Mario Bruno, was to be seen among the guests.

It wasn’t long before I came across Assistant Director of Tedisco’s NYC office, Robert Hornak, and a fellow Republican colleague of his, Daniel Peterson, who has been a candidate for local office and currently serves as President of a Manhattan Republican club.

The event was suddenly interrupted by Senator Golden’s booming voice, ushering everyone to the front for the main event: the raffle. It was at that point that I spotted newlywed Staten Island YR President, Anthony Reinhart, whom I gave a hearty congratulations. As they were calling out the various raffle prize winners (of which I was not one), I heard a familiar name called, and it was BYRC VP Britta Vander Linden, who won a prize!

After they finished giving out prizes, I spotted New York Sun columnist, Alicia Colon, whom I had to meet and thank for her many inspiring and spot-on columns that I’ve read over the past couple of years.

Finally finishing my first drink, I went back to the bar for a refill only to find former NYSYR State Chairman Jason Weingartner, and my counterpart in the New York YRs, Kellen Giuda, who serves as Editor of the NYYRC’s newsletter, the Record. We talked shop for a bit, and then I met Molly Casey, a Bruno staffer, who also helped with putting together this excellent event.

Though the event ended at 8 PM on the dot, people (like myself) spent a few more hours talking and mingling amongst ourselves.


I know it may seem like a lot of name dropping, but it’s necessary to convey exactly how unusual a turn out this event had. Among the many elected officials, businesses and independent political organizations that came together to fill this event, each one represents a distinct part of New York City’s young professional Republican make up, and frequently one would only come to expect to find certain groups of Republicans only at certain events.

This time, Ms. Black and Ms. Weisberg managed to break that mold and brought Republicans of all sorts throughout the city together in order to meet other Republicans and have a great time doing so.

I spoke with Ms. Weisberg recently about the event. She said that she and Ms. Black, who have been friends for some time now, got the idea from several young professional events that presidential candidates had been putting together, and they decided that there ought to be an event for young professional Republicans, conservatives and libertarians, regardless of candidate preference.

Ms. Weisberg said that Senator Bruno has been eyeing ways to reach out to younger Republicans, and was glad to help sponsor the event.

So, she and Ms. Black went ahead with the idea and began putting together a host committee, to which Ms. Weisburg commented: “We had a great group of diverse people, not only in government, but in the media and business as well, who were very eager to help.” They finally chose Spiegeltent, as the venue because, as Ms. Weisberg said, “You have to have it at a place that young people want to go—some place fun.”

After proving to be a tremendously successful event, she said that Senator Bruno thought it went wonderfully and that there is discussion about putting together another event like this in the near future.

I, for one, certainly wish them lots of luck in keeping Republican social life in New York City thriving, and I think they’re off to a great start doing just that!

Jonathan Judge is Secretary of the Brooklyn YRs and Editor-in-Chief of the NYSYR GOPyr Newsletter.

YRs at the Plate

Brendan Lantry


Lives In: Staten Island
YR Status: Chairman, Board of Directors, Staten Island YRs
Occupation: College Student
Running For: State Committee, AD62

Brendan was born and raised on the South Shore of Staten Island, in the town of Eltingville. He is currently a Senior at St. John’s University in the Peter J. Tobin School of Business. He is currently preparing for the LSAT exam and plans to attend law school in the Fall of 2008.

Since early 2005, he has been working for now State Senator Andrew J. Lanza, first when Senator Lanza was a NY City Council Member from 2005 to 2006. He then left to work on Lanza’s Senate campaign where he served as Campaign Coordinator. He now serves as his Legislative Aide in Staten Island.

In reflecting on his burgeoning political career, Brendan had this to say: “As YR President, it took a while to gain the respect and trust of some people in the party. The Staten Island YRs didn't always have a great track record on Staten Island, and a lot of people in the party still remembered that. Once they realized that we were trying to bring about positive reform in the SIYRs, we gained respect for our campaign activities and growth in membership. I think the SIGOP feels that I can bring some of that enthusiasm to the Executive Committee, and that's probably why I have their support to be District Leader.”

Frank Sparaco


Lives In: Rockland County
YR Status: President, Rockland YRs
Occupation: Entrepreneur, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Running For: County Legislator, 11th District, Rockland County
Website: www.FrankSparaco.com

Thoughts from a New York Sailor

by Anthony J. Romeo

When I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in early 2005, I was rather confused, at first, and a little nervous not knowing what to except from this new lifestyle.

Also, joining the military at the age of 24, it was a little harder to adjust, mainly because most of the great men and women of the United States Armed Forces either joined right out of high school at the young age of 18 or 19.

I had to deal with a lot of issues at first, and so, during my deployment, I took time to think long and hard about all the things people normally take for granted.

I would try to go to church as much as I could, and while the chaplain would attempt to deliver his mass over the enormous bangs of the flight deck catapults, I would hear that horrible bang as the mass would continue and I would think to myself how I would love to be back home at church listening to a baby’s constant cry and shushing by its mother instead.

Being away from my true Love, Lauren, was the hardest thing for me to cope with, but I feel it made our relationship so much stronger being away from one another for such a long period of time. Every night as I was reading my war time prayer book by author Father Fulton Sheen, I would use one of Lauren’s pictures as a bookmark, so that last thing I saw before I fell asleep was her beautiful face.

In the little free time I had, when I knew the ship was pulling into a port, I would inquire with my command’s religious department how I could help the people of whichever country we were visiting.

In Dubai, U.A.E., I volunteered twice to help handicapped children play different types of sports, including wheelchair basketball and soccer.

Another time I visited Dubai, I led a team to build a garden for a group of women who had been victims of human trafficking. They were recently rescued and needed a place of sanctuary, which we helped make into a more livable and beautiful home.

I did not do any of these things for a ribbon, medal or a plaque; I simply did them because they needed to be done.

There are so many great people overseas that just want the same thing we Americans want out of life, and that is good schools for our children to attend, as well as safe neighborhoods to live in and raise a family in.

The people over there are no different than you or I. They value family and their religion more than anything. I constantly tell people you should be happy for what you have, not be upset for what you don’t have, because when could a person ever be happy if you constantly wanted something bigger or more expensive? The answer is never.

A person should be grateful for the country we live in, the government we elect, and just for being alive. So many people take the most precious thing we have for granted too much, and that is life itself.

I remember as a young boy going to church, the priest once said, “Do not be upset you do not have a new pair of sneakers to play in, but be happy that you have feet and you are able to run and play with other children.”

I think people just need to take a second and look at the bigger picture, because, going away for so long, I learned not to complain, since no matter how much you complain, the situation does not change unless you do something about it yourself.

Anthony John Romeo, 27 of Brooklyn, New York, enlisted into the United States Navy on January 9, 2005.
During his service, he has been awarded the Blue Jacket Sailor of the Month twice in his department on the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Aviation Warfare Specialist, two Global War on Terrorism Medals, the Sea Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, and assisted his command to obtain the Battle of Excellence for 2006 during Operation Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom from October of 2006 to May of 2007.
When he returns to New York, he plans to get more involved as a Young Republican.

On the Road with the Chairman

Since the last issue of the GOPyr newsletter, Chairman Chris Dziedzic has been busy in his travels around the state on behalf of the New York State Young Republicans.

Stop #1: Albany, NY

Chris traveled to Albany to attend the Capitol District Young Republican’s July monthly meeting, on Wednesday, July 25th. It was held at Legends on Lark Street in Albany at 7:00 PM. R.A. De Prima, a Republican county legislative candidate for one of the districts within the city of Albany, was the guest speaker.

Stop #2: Amsterdam, NY

That weekend, Chris was up in Amsterdam, New York along with many other YRs for one of he targeted campaign efforts – this one in Assembly District 105, to help George Amedore to win a special election. While in that part of the state Chris has a chance to meet with the head of the newly organizing Montgomery County Young Republicans. Chris had a chance to sit down with Karl Baia at the Crystal Restaurant in Amsterdam on the afternoon of Saturday, July 28th. It was a productive meeting, and the Montgomery County YRs are looking to join our larger statewide network.

Stop #3: Saratoga, NY

The next big event was the 6th Annual Day at the Races on Saturday, August 4th. While Chris did not make a big profit from his bets at the track, everyone in attendance profited from hearing Chris Callaghan’s beautiful new song about Eliot Spitzer and Troopergate, which you can watch here: www.nysyr.us/gallery.htm.

Stop #4: Lake Como, NJ

On Saturday, August 11th, Chris and National Committeeman Ed Torres traveled down to Lake Como, NJ (formerly known as South Belmar), to attend the annual New Jersey Young Republican Federation Summer Splash. The YRs from New York and New Jersey have a long history of supporting and attending one another’s events and activities, and the current NYSYR administration strives to maintain those ties.

Stop #5: Endicott, NY

Chairman Dziedzic, Corresponding Secretary Bryon McKim, Executive Director Rick Cordaro and Parliamentarian Ed Lass attended Senator Tom Libous’s Annual Steak Roast and Thursday, August 16th in Endicott, New York. It was a great time at one of the largest Republican fundraisers in the state, with an annual attendance of three to four thousand people.

YR Club Notes

Brooklyn YRs

During the month of August, the Executive Board of the Brooklyn YRs met with the leadership of the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee at its National Headquarters in Lower Manhattan to discuss ways in which the YRs can help Rudy’s efforts in early states like Iowa and New Hampshire. The Brooklyn YRs were one of the first Republican organizations in New York to endorse Rudy Giuliani for the Republican nomination earlier this year.

Next Event: Wednesday, September 12th with Mario Bruno, New York State Executive Director for the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee
Peggy O’Neill’s, 8123 5th Avenue, Brooklyn

Usually meet the second Wednesday or second Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Brooklyn YR’s website.

Contact Information:

• www.BrooklynYR.com
• BrooklynYR@gmail.com
• (718) 360-9583

Capital District YRs

Though the Capital District YRs are celebrating their successful efforts to getGeorge Amedore elected to the State Assembly in the 105th District’s special election this summer, they nevertheless strive to bring more Republican victories to the area. They are currently actively supporting the campaigns of R.A. De Prima for Albany County Legislator and Mike DeMartino, a Capital District YR himself, for Colonie Town Board.

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 call them.

Contact Information:

• www.DutchessYR.com
• bryancranna@dutchessyr.com
• (845) 264-5269
  (Bryan Cranna, President)

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

The Nassau County YRs recently elected a new President, Andrew Stream, during a special election on Thursday, August 23. Stream was elected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former President Michael Kaplan, who left to take a job with the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security in Washington, D.C.

Stream says that there are two campaigns in particular that the Nassau YRs are supporting: John Carway, a former Nassau County YR Chairman, is running for Town Supervisor of North Hempstead, and fellow YR Donald X. Clavin, who is running for re-election as the Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes.

Next Meeting: Thursday, September 27th

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 were the proud victors of the Young Republican vs. Young Democrat Charity Kickball Game on August 11th in Central Park, where they beat the YD’s 6 to 4! For more details about their success, read President Lynn Krogh’s article.

Beyond the usual political tasks, the NYYRC is also planning spend a day lending a helping hand to fix up community schools by organizing a team to take part in NY Cares Day on Saturday, October 20th.

Next Meeting: Thursday, September 20th with columnist, author and policy expert John Lott.

Usually meet every third Thursday at 7 PM, Union League Club, 38 East 37th Street, New York, NY. Usually host socials the first Wednesday of the month. 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)

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

Queens YRs

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

Contact Information:

• www.qcyr.org (Under Construction)
• ralicea@gmail.com
  (Rich Alicea, Chairman)
• (718) 418-7873

Saratoga County YRs

The Saratoga YRs were hosts to one of the biggest New York State YR events of the summer, the annual Saratoga Day at the Races on August 4th. In addition to the usual festivities, attendees were treated with a special performance by 2006 Comptroller candidate, Chris Callaghan, who performed quite the satiric song about Governor Spitzer’s Troopergate scandal to the tune of Bob Dylan’s How Does It Feel? For your viewing pleasure, you may access the video at http://www.nysyr.us/gallery.htm.

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

Staten Island YR President Anthony Reinhart married his high school sweetheart, fellow YR and SIYR Events Chairwoman, Nicole Martingano, on Sunday, July 22nd. After the wedding, which was well attended by the SIYR Board of Directors, the happy couple departed for Hawaii, where they explored several islands, enjoyed many adventurous activities and spent a day aboard the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor. The new Mr. & Mrs. Reinhart plan to continue living in the New Dorp section of Staten Island, where they both grew up.

As for the newlywed politico, Reinhart commented, “Now that wedding planning is over, I hope to devote more time to the YRs—with a well balanced amount of time spent with my wife, of course!”

We wish them the best of luck and a whole lifetime of happiness together!

Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 18th , 8:30 PM

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

Our hosts for the upcoming Fall Board meeting on September 15th have been hard at work preparing a spectacular event for us. The guest speaker list has been growing, and now includes State Assemblyman James Bacalles, Steuben County GOP Chairman Bill Hatch, former U.S. Congressman Amo Houghton, and current U.S. Congressman Randy Kuhl. In addition to a great slate of speakers, the lunch and dinner menus are equally appealing.

One of the activities during the weekend will include helping out with a campaign event for Steuben YR and Corning City Mayoral candidate, Tom Reed. Reed has recently entered the world of YouTube with his own campaign video, which highlights his platform.

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
• phalliday@steubenyr.com
  (Peter Halliday, Chairman)

Suffolk County YRs

During the month of August, several officers of the Suffolk County YRs also met with the leadership of the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee at its National Headquarters in Lower Manhattan to discuss ways in which the YRs can help Rudy’s efforts in early states like Iowa and New Hampshire.

Next Meeting:
Thursday, September 28th

Usually meet last Thursday of the month (except in July & August), Dave & Busters, 1856 Veterans Highway, Islandia, 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

On August 25th, the Warren County YRs hosted WCYR Family Fun Day 2007 at Adventure Racing in Queensbury, NY. Activities included go-karts, Star Wars Laser Tag, bumper cars, and rock climbing. Food and refreshments were provided as well, all for $15 a person (or $17 at the door).

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

Contact Information:

• www.freewebs.com/wcyr
• Bedoreg18@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

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

Contact Information:

• www.WestchesterYRs.com
• info@westchesteryrs.com

Tusk Talk

with Tusk Harper

Dear Tusk,

I think my dog is a Democrat. He always seems to go around the neighborhood, giving all of the other pets the bones that I give him. Let’s face it: I work hard to make money to buy Sir Mortimus the bones, and yet he prances around giving it away like these other pooches are entitled. How do I teach my dog to avoid the entitlement mindset?

From: Flippin’ in Fulton

Dear Flippin’,

Ah, here we go again: the old liberal vs. conservative, dog vs. cat debate. Call me overly optimistic or simple, but I genuinely believe that every pooch placed on this planet has the right to the pursuit of his or her own happiness. Freedom, treats, and belly rubs are not just for humans. I suggest calling a local conservative dog trainer and allowing this person to use gentle force in training Sir Mortimus that we can never be free if we’re giving hand-outs to some poodle from across the border. Worst case scenario: you can always build a fence.

Dear Tusk,

My Republican friends always seem to make fun of me for loving the song “Don’t Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow).” Is it heresy to be a Fleetwood Mac fan?

From: Rocker in Rochester

Dear Rocker,

There are many “rumours” about whether or not Republicans should listen to hippie music. I, personally, don’t think it is such a dire situation that a “landslide” will bring you down. However, I think such notions are but a “mirage.” Take it from Tusk – you’re better off listening to Fleetwood Mac than you are listening to that “black magic woman” Celine Dion.

Have a question? Write to Tusk at tuskharper@yahoo.com

A Message from NYSYR Chairman Christopher Dziedzic

I am very excited to see the return of the GOPYR newsletter. This was a labor of love for Brian Graybow for a couple of years. With his recent elevation to NYSYR Chief of Staff, I am grateful that Jonathan Judge has volunteered to step in with his experience and creative ideas as the new Editor-in-Chief.

When Jonathan asked me to pen a few words for this issue, I thought this would be an appropriate time to expand on some of the main goals the current Executive Board has for the NYSYR. Early in 2007, when I announced my candidacy for State Chair, I spoke of how, "The continued success of the NYSYR, and in fact the entire Republican party, is based upon victory in three ongoing battles. We must be able to contribute significantly to the battle of numbers, the battle of wallets, and the battle of ideas.”

But what does that actually mean? How does the NYSYR contribute significantly to Republican efforts in the "battle of numbers?" The first, and most obvious, way our organization contributes is by getting bodies out on the streets in targeted election efforts.

Looking at 2007 alone, we can be proud of our additions to the special election efforts in Senate District 7 in Nassau County, Assembly Districts 61 and 62 in Richmond County and, most recently, Assembly District 105 in Montgomery and Schenectady Counties. For the fall, we plan to build on these efforts with similar targeted campaign weekends throughout September and October. We know, in hotly contested local races, that the energy and enthusiasm of a block of Young Republican volunteers can infect a campaign down the home stretch.

The “battle of numbers”is not only about providing volunteers. It is also about ensuring we have strong, viable candidates for all levels of office on our party line. Young Republicans are now at the forefront. Whether as candidates for United States Congress, New York State Assembly, county or municipal office, Young Republicans are stepping forward. As is often said, we are not the future of the party, we are the present of the party. And our continuing contributions on multiple levels in the “battle of numbers” is evidence of that.

Christopher Dziedzic is the Chair of the NYSYR. When all of his political work is done, he falls to sleep dreaming of a rotation of Drabek, Deshaies, and Tewksbury pitching the Yanks to a couple of pennants in the late 1980s.