The Dying NY Conservative?

Eric Fettmann wrote an op-ed in today's New York Post about New York Republicans not being joined at the hip with the Conservative Party and that the "Party of the Right" should just throw in the towel. Though he may be correct in that our blue state influence pulls Republicans to the middle and to the left on social issues, to suggest that conservatives should simply give up is a bit irresponsible.


Third parties have always been influential in New York politics, whether it is on the right or on the left. The NY Conservative Party was formed in 1962 when the conservative movement was sweeping the Nation. It has helped many Republican candidates win in local and Statewide elections. Even though it appears the northeast is becoming bluer and bluer with each passing election, there is still a legitimate case to have a Conservative Party in New York.


Mr. Fettmann goes on to say that the most recent Republican executives, Bloomberg, Giuliani and Pataki, have all run with moderate to even very liberal platforms. William Weld is no exception to dancing in the middle. Even if the Republican Party chooses Mr. Weld as their candidate for Governor, he will likely not get the Conservative Party endorsement. But is it that important to have a Conservative Governor? Shouldn't third parties (and journalists like Mr. Fettmann) focus on obtaining smaller goals first?


The Conservative Party should continue to seek out and strenthen candidates for State Senate and Assembly. That's where the conservative agenda needs a strong influence, not necessarily the governor's mansion. A moderate Republican like Mr. Weld could simply say he is open to the democratic process and managing this state with various ideologies. Government is about working together, from all sides. Running candidates for the State Legislature and winning seats is far better than just getting a governor's mansion and having a bunch of moderate to liberal politicians in the two Houses.


The Conservative Party should focus on the State Senate, retaining the Republican majority and trying to get as many conservative Republicans in the Upper House. They should also run candidates for Assembly, whether alone as the Conservative candidate or by backing the Republican. In time, if having strong conservatives in State government proves to create jobs and a better life for upstate New Yorkers, then the party will once again regain its position of legitimacy.