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CONGRESSMAN MIKE LAWLER POSTS HIS STRONGEST FUNDRAISING QUARTER

July 8, 2024

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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CONTACT: [email protected]

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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Rep. Mike Lawler, Assemblyman Matt Slater, State Senate Candidate Gina Arena, and Town Supervisor Mike Cazzari Condemn Senator Peter Harckham’s False Claims on Battery Storage Legislation

June 14, 2024

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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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MONDAIRE JONES CONFIRMS WORST KEPT SECRET IN POLITICS : HE’S STILL A RADICAL

June 11, 2024

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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CONTACT: [email protected]

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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BOMBSHELL CITY & STATE REPORT CONFIRMS: MONDAIRE JONES ABANDONED NY-17

June 7, 2024

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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CONGRESSMAN MIKE LAWLER CALLS TRUMP CONVICTION “A SAD DAY FOR AMERICA” 

May 30, 2024

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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Rep. Mike Lawler, Assemblyman Matt Slater, and Gina Arena Celebrate Victory for Local Control in Proposed Mahopac Battery Storage Facility

May 16, 2024

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CONTACT: [email protected]

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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LAWLER FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN UNVEILS WEBSITE HIGHLIGHTING MONDAIRE JONES’ RADICAL RECORD

April 18, 2024

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CONTACT: [email protected]

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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LAWLER FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN CALLS ON MONDAIRE JONES TO CONDEMN HIS FELLOW SQUAD MEMBERS FOR VOTING AGAINST BILL LABELING “FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA”AS ANTISEMITIC

April 17, 2024

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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CONTACT: [email protected]

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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HUDSON VALLEY LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERS SLAM MONDAIRE JONES FOR PUSHING TO DEFUND THE POLICE AND FOR FALSE ATTACKS ON CONGRESSMAN LAWLER

March 14, 2024

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CONTACT: [email protected]

Pearl River, NY – 3/14/2024… Today, law enforcement leaders from across the Hudson Valley joined together in condemning Mondaire Jones for his false attacks and expressing their support for Congressman Lawler. Recently, Mondaire Jones has claimed the support of Hudson Valley law enforcement in the race for the 17th Congressional District.

“Congressman Lawler has supported law enforcement while in Congress, including in his hometown of Orangetown. Our members saw it first-hand when he was Deputy Town Supervisor of the Town of Orangetown and got the Department what was needed, we saw it when he was in Albany, and we have seen it in Washington D.C. time and time again. Most recently Congressmen Lawler assisted with getting 10 million dollars in seizure money out of bureaucratic red tape and to Police Departments and Sheriffs in the Hudson Valley,” said Larry Ayers and Patrick Casey, Rockland County Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President and Public Information Officer. “Mondaire Jones can make up stories about budgets and appropriations, and play other political games, but when it comes to supporting law enforcement in the Hudson Valley, Congressman Mike Lawler has never wavered.”

“As much as Mondaire Jones would like to revise history, the public remembers that he is an original proponent of defunding the police. Our communities are less safe as a result of Mondaire’s progressive ideology,” stated Keith Olson, President of the Westchester APA. “Congressman Mike Lawler is, and always has been, a staunch supporter of law enforcement. For those who value public safety, Mike Lawler is the clear choice to represent NY’s 17th Congressional District.”

“Congressman Lawler has been a staunch supporter of law enforcement during his time in the Assembly and in Congress, and I’m thankful to have him as a partner in government. His backing of law enforcement has been unwavering, and it is thanks to his efforts that the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department received long overdue funds from a settlement,” said Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville. “Lawler’s track record of supporting and funding police in the Hudson Valley is clear – and anyone calling that into question is lying to the public.”

“Since well before his time in Congress, Mike Lawler has been a strong supporter of law enforcement. At every turn, he’s been readily available to speak with, meet with, and get a hold of – a model public servant in that regard. The recent attacks on him for voting for a bipartisan appropriations package are laughable – all but one of his colleagues from the House in New York voted yes on the same bill,” stated Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati. “Cops, their families, and our communities all know the truth – Congressman Mike Lawler is one of the strongest supporters of law enforcement in New York, and we’re lucky to have him representing us. Mondaire Jones, a strong supporter of the defund the police movement, would make the 17th District less safe.”

“Congressman Lawler is thankful for the strong backing of law enforcement from across the 17th District,” stated Lawler for Congress Campaign Manager Ciro Riccardi. “They know who has their back and who’s spreading misinformation and lies in an effort to get elected to a seat he abandoned.”

“Unlike Mondaire Jones, Congressman Lawler has actually supported law enforcement in the 17th District by bringing back Community Project Funding and by getting local police departments seizure funds they were due in less than a year – something Mondaire couldn’t accomplish in his full term,” concluded Riccardi. “Voters in the 17th District know the truth – Mike supports our police while Mondaire Jones wants to defund them – and those same voters will show Mondaire the door in 2024.”

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CONGRESSMAN LAWLER ENDORSED BY LABORERS’ INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA (LIUNA-NY) AND LABORERS’ LOCAL 754

March 13, 2024

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CONTACT: [email protected]

Pearl River, NY – 3/13/2024… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler announced the endorsement of LIUNA-NY, an organization with over 40,000 unionized construction workers across the state of New York. This comes on the heels of the endorsement of the Laborers Local 754, a local LIUNA chapter.

“Congressman Lawler has been a staunch supporter of the construction trades during his time in office. His hard work to create local jobs, grow the economy, and support our members is greatly appreciated, and we are thrilled to endorse him in the race for New York’s 17th District,” said Vincent Albanese, Executive Director of the NYS Laborers’ PAC. “We look forward to working with him in the coming years and thank him for his support of our members.”

“Local 754 has always recognized and appreciated your commitment to the people you represent beginning with your first term in the NYS Assembly. Your ability to see the needs of your constituents and your tireless effort in addressing those needs is rare in this political climate. We appreciate your willingness to work across the aisle with your Democratic colleagues,” said Stephen Reich, Business Manager of the Laborers’ Local 754. “Although we do not agree 100% on all issues, your commitment of the needs of the working men and women of the 17th Congressional District is unwavering. It is nice to have a friend in Washington that actually listens and is available. In this regard you are unmatched.”

“I’m thrilled to have the endorsements of LIUNA-NY and the Laborers Local 754 in the race for New York’s 17th District,” stated Congressman Mike Lawler. “The backbone of the Hudson Valley community are our working families, and none more so than those who work in the construction and building trades.”

“In Congress, I’ve been proud to support legislation that supports infrastructure investment in the Hudson Valley, creating good paying, middle-class jobs for folks in LIUNA-NY, Laborers’ Local 754, and other unions,” Lawler added. “I’ll never stop fighting for the middle-class, those who work in the construction trades, and their families.”

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