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Chairman Hornak in charge of Candidate School
by NYYRC, Mar 25, 2007

A Press Release by the Queens County GOP informs us that the NYYRC outgoing Chairman, Robert Hornak, will be heavily involved in Queens County politics.

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Newly elected Queens County Republican Party Chairman Phil Ragusa, as part of his pledge to focus his energies on rejuvenating and growing the Queens GOP's grassroots infrastructure, has been tirelessly touring the County visiting local Republican clubs, stopping by to discuss and share his plans for the future of the Party with the Queens Village, Northeast Queens, Whitestone, and Frank Kenna Republican clubs, with visits to the Rego Hills, Women's Club and Rockaway clubs already scheduled. In a whirlwind of activity the Chairman also met with Senator Marty Golden and NYC's other four GOP County Chairs to discuss State Senate strategy. The Chairman then met privately with America's Mayor Rudy Giuliani before the Home Team Fundraiser at the New York Sheraton this Wednesday. On Thursday, the Chairman had a powwow with Assembly Republican Leader James Tedisco and his New York City Reginal Director, J.C. Polanco. With 18 Assembly Districts and seven State Senate Districts in Queens County and populations exceeding that of most cities in New York State and indeed the nation, Chairman Phil Ragusa is off to an impressive start.

Chairman Ragusa also announced the appointment of noted Republican activist, GOP blogger and political strategist Robert Hornak (often seen on New York 1 espousing the Republican position) to chair the "Candidate Recruitment and Development Committee." This committee will be vested with the vitally important task of identifying and recruiting Republican candidates to run in the elections for the 2008 cycle. Hornak stated "I am honored at the trust Chairman Phil Ragusa has placed in me given the importance of this role and am eager to assist the County in this critically important initiative."

Chairman Ragusa commented, "When I first joined the Beechhurst Republican Club decades ago, at my first meeting the club's President said the main purpose of our club is to elect Republicans, period. After I was elected County Chairman, I wanted to make clear that our first order of business as a County organization is, likewise, to elect Republicans and advance Republican principles and representation in all levels of government. In order to do this, we must find and cultivate Republicans from the grassroots level that can run competitive and successful campaigns next year. Bob Hornak is just the person we need to spearhead this effort."

The announcement of Hornak's appointment was accompanied by the unveiling of plans for an ambitious "Candidates' School," to be held by the County scheduled for May, as aspiring candidates, prospective campaign managers and treasurers are instructed on the fundamentals of ballot access and campaign organization by leading experts from the Republican delegations in the State Senate and Assembly, as well as party leaders.

"We have not decided yet specifically what races we are targeting in 2008; however, it is clear that our number one priority is the successful reelection of Senator Padavan and Senator Maltese. We are also keenly interested in fielding a slate of candidates to challenge incumbents. To coin a phrase, the Grand Old Party Wants You! If you are envisioning a picture of Uncle Sam in top hat and tails pointing your way, I have succeeded in getting your attention," said Chairman Ragusa.

Dates for additional club visits and the Candidates' School will be announced shortly. Clubs and leaders interested in arranging a Chairman's visit or discussing potential candidates or aspects of the Candidates' School are encouraged to call County as soon as practicable.

Chairman Ragusa said "I am very excited about the progress we've made in such a short time, especially in light of some of the difficulties we have encountered. I look forward to competitive, exciting, and victorious campaigns in 2008 and beyond."

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