Barely 48 hours after the attempted assassination of former President Trump, Mondaire Jones doubles down on “threats to democracy” language.

Pearl River, NY – 7/16/2024… Today, the Lawler for Congress campaign released the following statement after Mondaire Jones doubled down on rhetoric labeling former President Donald Trump and Vice Presidential Candidate J.D. Vance as “threats to democracy” despite an assassination attempt on former President Trump barely 48 hours earlier.

This comes despite a broad consensus and calls from President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and voices on both sides of the political aisle to tone down the rhetoric and stop viewing political opponents as enemies. And just today, news broke that there is an existing Iranian plot to assassinate former President Trump.
 

“For Mondaire Jones to double down on divisive and inflammatory rhetoric painting political opponents as enemies barely 48 hours after former President Trump was nearly assassinated shows how unfit for office Mondaire Jones really is,” said Lawler for Congress spokesman Chris Russell.  “Despite widespread calls for a return to civility and a toning down of the rhetoric, including by President Biden and former President Barack Obama, Mondaire Jones has continued to show his true radical nature. Jones’ extremism is why his campaign is imploding, yet he can’t seem to help himself. He should immediately apologize.”

Russell said Jones’ words and actions stand in stark contrast to Congressman Lawler’s bipartisan work to increase Secret Service protections for President Biden, former President Trump, and RFK Jr. this week. They also are the opposite of what members of Mondaire Jones’ own party, including Congressman Jared Golden, are saying publicly.

“While Mondaire Jones attempts to incite violence against his political opponents, Congressman Lawler is actually working in a bipartisan way with Congressman Ritchie Torres to protect President Biden, former President Trump, and RFK Jr. on the campaign trail,” concluded Russell. “Shame on Mondaire Jones for his extreme rhetoric – it’s no wonder why voters in the Hudson Valley rejected him.”

CONTACT: [email protected]

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After days of ducking questions, Lawler for Congress Campaign calls on Mondaire Jones to break his silence and say whether or not he’ll vote for President Joe Biden at the DNC Convention in August

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Pearl River, NY – 7/9/2024… Today, the Lawler for Congress campaign released the following statement after Mondaire Jones repeatedly refused to answer whether he thinks Joe Biden should remain at the top of the Democratic ticket. This comes despite Jones’ status as a delegate to the DNC Convention, who should be pledged to vote for Joe Biden.

Jones has refused to answer questions about Biden’s candidacy and ongoing support for the President from Politico, Spectrum News, the New York Post, and the Times Union.

“By this point, it should surprise absolutely no one that Mondaire Jones is willing to stab President Biden in the back to try and save his own skin,” said Lawler for Congress spokesman Chris Russell. “Despite voting with the President over 99% of the time in Congress and calling him the ‘best President in modern American history,’  Mondaire Jones now won’t say if Joe Biden should even be running, if he’s mentally and physically up to the job, or if he still supports his candidacy.”

“Mondaire Jones only cares about Mondaire Jones. Just ask Jamaal Bowman, and now, Joe Biden,” concluded Russell. “If Mondaire Jones won’t even stand up for his friends, how can anyone expect him to stand up for residents of the 17th District in Congress?”

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Lawler’s campaign enters the home stretch of the election cycle with nearly $4 million cash-on-hand, in pole position to win reelection in NY-17

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Pearl River, NY… The Lawler for Congress campaign released the following statement after posting its strongest fundraising quarter of the cycle, bringing in over $1.53 million in the second quarter, bringing his total raised for the cycle to over $5.62 million. Coupled with nearly $4 million in cash-on-hand heading into the last four months of the campaign and coming on the heels of Mondaire Jones’ embarrassing loss of the Working Families Party line, Congressman Lawler is well-positioned to win reelection this November.

“Congressman Lawler is in pole position to win reelection in New York’s 17th District after posting his largest fundraising quarter yet,” said Lawler for Congress spokesman Chris Russell. “We will take nothing for granted, but with over $1.53 million raised and nearly $4 million in cash-on-hand after the critical deadline, we feel very confident about Mike’s strong position heading into the November election.”

“Congressman Lawler’s radical opponent, Mondaire Jones, is a self-described ‘socialist,’ called for defunding the police, embraced open borders, and supported dangerous cashless bail laws, putting together one of the partisan and extreme voting records in the entire House,” continued Russell. “On the other hand, Congressman Lawler has been rated the 4th-most bipartisan lawmaker in the House, has delivered tens of millions in federal dollars to Hudson Valley towns, and is piling up endorsements from law enforcement groups and labor unions who appreciate his common sense approach to governing and problem solving. The contrast could not be more clear.”

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Carmel, NY – June 14, 2024 … Today, Congressman Mike Lawler, Assemblyman Matt Slater, State Senate Candidate Gina Arena, and Town Supervisor Mike Cazzari released a joint statement condemning State Senator Peter Harckham for spreading falsehoods regarding his controversial battery storage legislation (S7834) and its implications for local control.

A recent op-ed by State Senator Harckham misled the public and distorted the facts surrounding his bill that sought to remove local input on battery storage projects across New York State. Harckham’s bill would have transferred control of local zoning decisions to unelected bureaucrats in Albany, undermining the autonomy and voice of local communities.

Town Supervisor Mike Cazzari emphasized, “The residents of Carmel and Somers raise valid concerns regarding the environmental and safety implications of the proposed battery storage facility. The ORES legislation circumvents local input and rushes these projects without thorough examination. We staunchly oppose any actions undermining local governance and remain committed to advocating for our communities’ right to participate in decisions impacting them directly.”

“Senator Harckham’s attempt to mislead the public is disappointing,” said Congressman Mike Lawler. “His bill was a blatant effort to strip away local control and push through battery storage projects without proper consideration for the concerns of residents, and now he’s lying about the purpose of the legislation – it’s frustrating that Harckham, similar to Mondaire Jones, is resorting to lies in an effort to score political points.”

Assemblyman Matt Slater emphasized the importance of local control, stating, “As a former town supervisor, I understand the critical role that local control plays in maintaining the quality of life in our communities. Senator Harckham’s legislation is an attack on local control and his attempt to paint it as anything else is an outright lie. The residents of Mahopac and Somers deserve better.”

State Senate Candidate Gina Arena also criticized Harckham’s misleading statements, saying, “Senator Harckham’s op-ed is nothing more than a desperate attempt to save face after his bill rightfully failed. His proposal ignored the legitimate concerns of local residents and sought to centralize power in Albany. By pulling his name off the bill, he tacitly admitted its flaws, but now he tries to mislead the public about its intent. This type of political double-talk is unacceptable.”

New York’s 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

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During interview, Mondaire Jones admits his radical views “haven’t changed”, that he still wants support from the far-left Working Families Party and will push extremism in Congress

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Pearl River, NY – 6/11/2024… Mondaire Jones admitting that his radical “values haven’t changed” and that he still wants support from the far-left WFP, was the most honest thing he’s said in a week, charged the Lawler for Congress campaign today.

“Mondaire Jones was one of the most hyperpartisan, radical voices in Congress during his one-term in DC, and his admission that nothing has changed was the first honest thing he said all week,” said Lawler for Congress spokesman Chris Russell, pointing to Jones’ ranking 381st out of 435 members for partisanship according to the Lugar Center and Georgetown University.  “During an interview with the Times Union, Jones admitted he still supports far-left policies like Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, stacking the Supreme Court, and, one can only assume, Defunding the Police and ICE.”

Russell said Jones’ campaign is in free fall – alienating his radical base while exposing himself as a true phony to everyone else.

“Mondaire Jones has twisted himself into so many knots this past week that he might as well change his campaign logo to a pretzel,” concluded Russell. “It’s already clear to everyone in NY-17 and across the country that Mondaire Jones is, has been, and will always be a far-left, radical politician. Just look at his votes in Congress and the positions he’s taken for years. Absent a time machine, there’s nothing he can do to run from that record.”

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Report reveals that Sean Patrick Maloney, chair of the DCCC, offered to let Mondaire Jones run in NY-17, and Jones declined, opting for a potential primary against Jamaal Bowman instead.

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Pearl River, NY – 6/7/2024… Today, the Lawler for Congress Campaign blasted Mondaire Jones for a damning, exclusive report in City & State that revealed Mondaire Jones chose to abandon the 17th Congressional District despite being offered the chance to run for his own seat in NY-17.

“There you have it folks, Mondaire Jones chose to abandon NY-17 in 2022, even after Sean Patrick Maloney offered to let Jones stay and fight for his seat,” said Lawler for Congress spokesman Chris Russell.  “Instead, Mondaire turned tail and ran away to New York City, because even he knew his views were too extreme to win in the Hudson Valley.”

Russell called on Jones to come clean about his abandonment of the 17th District in 2022.

“While NY-17 is much better off being represented by Congressman Lawler, who is one of the most bipartisan, successful members of Congress, it is time for Mondaire Jones to come clean and admit that he abandoned his constituents in NY-17 for his own personal and political gain,” concluded Russell. “The residents of New York’s 17th Congressional District deserve a member of Congress who will stand and fight for the Hudson Valley, and it’s clear that Mondaire Jones isn’t up for the job.”

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Laments hyper-political prosecution and flimsy legal case aimed at trying to influence the results of 2024 Presidential election

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Pearl River, NY – 5/30/2024… Congressman Mike Lawler released the following statement after a jury rendered a guilty verdict in President Trump’s trial in Manhattan.

“The willingness of hyperpartisan New York Democrats like Attorney General Letitia James, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and even Governor Kathy Hochul, to abuse their monopoly on power in Albany and New York City to wage political war on their enemies should frighten every New Yorker, no matter which party you belong to or who you support for President,” said Congressman Mike Lawler.

“Convicting a former President on what amounts to a campaign finance violation in state court after the Federal Election Commission and The Department of Justice both opted not to pursue these same charges tells you all you need to know. This is a sad day for America. No matter where you fall on this, it undermines our electoral process and our judicial system. Simply put, it is destructive to our country. Our elections should be decided at the ballot box by voters, not by partisan prosecutors with a political ax to grind,” concluded Congressman Lawler.

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Mahopac, NY – May 16, 2024… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler, Assemblyman Matt Slater, and Gina Arena for State Senate released the following statement after achieving a significant victory for local control as state-level legislation to overrule local planning boards and fast track battery storage projects without proper environmental reviews has now stalled.

A proposed battery storage farm in the town of Carmel had raised serious and legitimate concerns among the residents of Mahopac and neighboring Somers due to its proximity to homes—just a few hundred feet away—and the potential risks of pollution to wells and toxic exposure from any potential fire. S7834 would have allowed Albany Democrats to overrule local zoning and planning boards for similar projects around the state. After facing significant pressure from residents, the bill is now dead.

“This is a prime example of why local control is critical in the Hudson Valley. The residents of Mahopac and Somers spoke out loud and clear, and their voices were heard” Congressman Lawler stated. “Albany’s attempt to override local decision-making was thwarted, thanks to the impassioned advocacy of local residents.”

“I firmly believe in the importance of local control, unlike my opponent Mondaire Jones, who cosponsored legislation in Congress that would have overruled local zoning laws,” concluded Congressman Lawler. “It is incumbent on Mondaire Jones to make clear where he stands as it pertains to local control of zoning – especially in the case of this proposed legislation by State Senator Harckham.”

Assemblyman Matt Slater added, “As a former town supervisor I know how important local control is for the Hudson Valley. I proudly led the fight against Governor Hochul’s disastrous housing mandate and will always stand up for our communities to make sure they have the ability to make the best decisions for our neighborhoods and families.”

Gina Arena, a candidate for State Senate, directly criticized Senator Peter Harckham for initially sponsoring the bill. “Senator Harckham’s proposal was a blatant power grab that disregarded the legitimate concerns of local residents. By removing his name from the bill, he acknowledges the mistake, but the damage to his credibility is done. We need leaders who prioritize the safety and well-being of their constituents over political maneuvering to appease the fringe of their party.”

New York’s 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.
 

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Pearl River, NY – 4/18/2024… Today, the Lawler for Congress campaign launched RadicalMondaire.com detailing Mondaire Jones’ extreme record and rhetoric, including calls to ‘defund-the-police’, smearing border patrol and ICE agents, and lavishing praise on anti-Semites and socialists – painting the picture of a far-left radical dangerously out-of-touch with the Hudson Valley.

“Mondaire Jones is a radical whose support for dangerously out-of-touch policies and extreme rhetoric has made it more dangerous to serve in law enforcement and less safe to live in New York,” said Lawler for Congress strategist Chris Russell.  “Mr. Jones is on tape – in his own words – saying we need to ‘defund the police’ and release dangerous criminals from our prisons, and he also wrote a column calling for an end to cash bail.”

Russell said Jones’ record and rhetoric on immigration makes him an extremist on that issue as well.

“While illegal immigrants were pouring across our border at a record pace, Mondaire Jones was busy outlining ways he would ‘further New York as a Sanctuary City,’ attacking border patrol agents as guilty of ‘unfathomable cruelty’ and smearing ICE agents as ‘racist’,” added Russell.  “Make no mistake, Mondaire Jones is Eric Adams and Bill deBlasio on steroids.”  

Russell said the stark differences between Congressman Lawler and candidate Jones on the issues of public safety and immigration will be front and center in the 17th District congressional campaign.

“Congressman Lawler is well on his way to sweeping endorsements from law enforcement because the men and women in blue – and their families – don’t want a ‘defund-the-police’ radical like Mondaire Jones anywhere near elected office,” said Russell. “Instead, they want someone like Congressman Lawler who is delivering millions in local police funding, leading the fight to get rid of cashless bail, and fighting back against New York’s asinine Sanctuary State and City policies that have created a total mess in our region.” 

Learn more by visiting RadicalMondaire.com

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Jones voted, on average, 97% of the time with the “Squad” during his time in office, who all voted against the resolution condemning the phrase as antisemitic.

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Pearl River, NY – 4/17/2024… Today, the Lawler for Congress campaign slammed Mondaire Jones’ refusal to condemn the “Squad” for voting against a resolution that labeled the “From the River to the Sea” slogan as antisemitic.

“It’s no surprise that Mondaire Jones refuses to call out the Squad for voting against a resolution that labeled the ‘From the River to the Sea’ slogan as antisemitic,” said Lawler for Congress spokesman Chris Russell.  “The reason? Mr. Jones’ closest friends in Congress, like Jamaal Bowman, AOC, Cori Bush, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, all voted against the resolution.”

“Mondaire Jones can try to hide from it, but he voted with these members, on average, over 97% of the time during his tenure in Congress,” concluded Russell.  “It’s no coincidence that he’s silent on their votes on this bill – it’s because deep down, he agrees with them.”  
 

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