Category Archives: Conservative Party

Photo Gallery: Conservative Party Convention



The Conservative Party of New York recently selected its 2018 designated candidates for statewide office, mirroring the Republican Party with its choices of Marc Molinaro, Julie Killian, Keith Wofford and Jonathan Trichter for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and comptroller, respectively.

There was no debate and virtually no dissent as the Conservative Party selected three Republicans and a Democrat, with a bellowed “no!” to the nomination of Killian the only sign of disagreement from the 50 state committee members.

Photo Gallery:

Our full photo gallery is available here.

Malliotakis Matching Money



Republican and Conservative mayoral nominee Nicole Malliotakis achieved a significant campaign milestone today, being awarded $1,518,092 in matching funds by the Campaign Finance Board.  Malliotakis reported having just $162,000 on hand as of September 18th, so this funding increases her cash on hand nearly ten fold.  It also places her campaign’s current financial condition reasonably close to that of Mayor de Blasio, who has an estimated balance (also calculated with his September 18th reported balance and matching funds awarded today) of $2.4 million.

Intended to “level the playing field” for candidates facing fundraising difficulties, the City’s program provides a 6-1 match for contributions of up to $175 from City residents.  It also restricts the amount that candidates who opt to participate in the program may raise and spend, while setting thresholds of the number and total amount of contributions that candidates must meet to be eligible to receive matching funds.  Malliotakis just met those thresholds in her September 18th filing, so this is the first time she’s received any matching funds.

There’s some irony in the great boost Malliotakis’ campaign received  from the award of matching funds, however.  Malliotakis has voiced opposition to the City’s program, calling it an irresponsible use of taxpayer money, and voted against a bill that would have established a state matching program with a similar 6-1 match.  Malliotakis termed that proposal “a completely disgraceful use of taxpayer money.” Continue reading Malliotakis Matching Money

Candidates On Conservative Party Endorsement



The Conservative Party endorsed Nicole Malliotakis today, choosing her as their mayoral candidate over rival Paul Massey.  We spoke with each of them tonight about that endorsement, Malliotakis as she arrived in Throggs Neck for a meeting of the Bronx Republican Party and Massey as he departed a town hall with the Queens Public Transit Committee in South Ozone Park.  (Our pre-endorsement analysis outlining the process and outcome is here.) Continue reading Candidates On Conservative Party Endorsement

Conservative Party Nomination Preview



The Conservative Party is poised to select its mayoral candidate tomorrow.  Here’s a look at what’s likely to happen along with my prediction of the winning candidate.

Continue reading Conservative Party Nomination Preview

Conservative Party Nomination?



With a decision on the Conservative Party nomination for mayor expected in less than a week, Nicole Malliotakis’ prospects appear increasingly strong.  Last night the Queens County Conservative Party informally lined up behind Malliotakis after hosting her for a screening interview, according to Queens County Chairman Tom Long.  A formal vote by the Queens County Committee is not expected until May 18th, however.   (Our report from the recent Queens County Conservative Dinner is available here.) Continue reading Conservative Party Nomination?

Candidates Court Conservatives (Updated)



Queens County Conservative Party Chairman Tom Long listens as mayoral candidate Paul Massey speaks to Long’s members. 4/28/17

Mayoral candidates Bo Dietl, Michel Faulkner and Paul Massey appeared in Howard Beach Thursday night, courting support at the Queens County Conservative Party Spring Dinner.  The Conservative Party will select its mayoral candidate shortly, with the  individual county organizations commencing discussions this week and a final selection expected by the end of May.  Their appearances and quest for the Conservative Party nomination had an additional subplot; Dietl’s controversial remarks on Mayor de Blasio’s wife the night before, Massey’s statement condemning those remarks and Dietl’s demand for an apology from Massey.  Assembly Member Nicole Malliotakis is also seeking the Conservative Party nomination, but did not attend this dinner.

Bo Dietl addresses the Queens County Conservative Party Dinner. The audience includes rival candidates Paul Massey (far left) and Michel Faulkner (center, blue tie). 4/28/17

Continue reading Candidates Court Conservatives (Updated)

Hashing It Out



Bo Dietl and Paul Massey discuss Dietl’s comments, during the Queens County Conservative Party Dinner on April 27, 2017.

Three of the four Republican mayoral candidates appeared together Thursday night, with Bo Dietl seeking to address the contretemps generated by his Wednesday night comment equating two African-American women, Chirlane McCray, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s wife, and a judge hearing Dietl’s election related lawsuit, based on their physical appearance.  Dietl has faced significant criticism in the 24 hours since making his comment.  The episode may drive voters away from him, although it anecdotally appears at this early stage Republican voters are only moderately concerned about.  More immediately, and more significantly, it may push Republican leaders away from granting Dietl his sought-after waiver to run in the Republican primary, a Wilson-Pakula. Continue reading Hashing It Out