Is NYC liberal professor still ‘proud to support’ scandal-scarred politician?

Kinderhook, NY … October 28, 2016 – Zephyr Teachout, the liberal New York City professor who moved Upstate this year to run for Congress, is standing with Hillary Clinton, the candidate she had previously denounced for her “four big corruption problems,” despite the Federal Bureau of Investigation reopening its criminal probe into Clinton’s use of a private email server while she was secretary of state.

Clinton has been criticized for alleged influence peddling at her family foundation as well. On Friday FBI director James Comey sent a letter to House committee chairmen announcing the law enforcement agency’s intention to reopen the case closed in July based upon the following findings: “In connection with an unrelated case, the FBI has learned of the existence of emails that appear to be pertinent to this investigation.” That “unrelated case” was subsequently revealed to have involved disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner.

“Potentially compromising our nation’s most important security-related secrets is a serious concern. Like Chris Gibson, you’ll always know where I stand on keeping Americans safe,” said Faso. “Zephyr Teachout’s support for a politician she labeled as ‘corrupt’ as recently as last year should raise concerns about her commitment to objectivity and following the evidence where it leads. So is she still standing with Hillary Clinton or not?”

Comey’s July report did not recommend charges but uncovered nearly 15,000 emails Clinton and her attorneys had not turned over to the FBI. Comey characterized the manner in which Clinton and her aides handled classified information as “extremely careless.”

“Corruption in America” author and liberal activist Teachout called Clinton corrupt in a 2015 op-ed, specifically referencing the Clinton Foundation’s cozy relationship with corporations, lavish speaking fees from corporate clients, and the Democratic nominee’s support for the Super PACs bankrolling her campaign’s message.

Teachout initially rationalized her Clinton support by remarking that “nobody’s perfect” in a July interview. Her Clinton flip-flop follows other hypocritical positions such as taking contributions from a known “dark money” group — whose donors are anonymous — and soliciting money from Super PAC mega-donors such as billionaire George Soros. Teachout has recently come under fire for her stated opposition to New York’s property tax cap and her support for a national energy tax, positions she publicly denies.

“If Clinton or one of her aides intentionally hid evidence or mishandled secret information, it should disqualify her as commander-in-chief. What, exactly, would Clinton have to do to make Professor Teachout withhold her support? Voters here deserve to know, and a non-answer is still an answer,” said Faso.

Teachout was exposed earlier this month in a WikiLeaks email exchange from March 4 in which she appears to bow to pressure from the Clinton campaign team to refrain from publicly supporting Democrat insurgent candidate Bernie Sanders prior to the April 19 presidential primary. Using Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand as a surrogate, Clinton officials effectively bought Teachout’s silence despite her endorsement of Sanders in a 2015 op-ed in which she attacked Clinton for her “four big corruption problems.” Published reports describe a Gillibrand fundraising email sent on March 31 on Teachout’s behalf. Clinton would go on to win New York.

Faso is running on the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform lines for Congress in the 19th Congressional District to fill the seat now held by Congressman Gibson (R), who is not seeking re-election. Gibson has endorsed Faso’s candidacy.

Mr. Faso and his wife, Mary Frances, a registered nurse, are the proud parents of two children. They have lived in Kinderhook, New York, for more than three decades.

John Faso (R-Kinderhook) is former Republican leader of the state Assembly and candidate for Congress in the 19th Congressional district. To learn more about Faso, visit johnfaso.com.

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Faso Ensured Passage of Jenna’s Law, which Eliminated Parole for Violent Felons

Kinderhook, NY — October 28, 2016 … John Faso’s campaign today released its latest ad featuring a father whose daughter was murdered by a violent felon. And he wants people to know: “John Faso is a fighter, and a fighter for us.”

Bruce Grieshaber is featured in the Faso campaign’s latest television advertisement, where the father shares the tragic story of his daughter Jenna’s murder, and the work that Faso did to ensure passage of a law named in her honor.

“Jenna was murdered by a violent felon out on parole,” Grieshaber says. “Why was this animal on the streets?”

He then explains that then Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was trying to prevent Jenna’s Law, which eliminated parole for first time violent felons, from passing but Faso, who was Assembly Minority Leader at the time, didn’t allow that to happen.

“Sheldon Silver tried to bottle it up, but John Faso was not going to have that,” Grieshaber says. “John is a fighter, and a fighter for us.”

View the ad here.

The 30-second spot, called “Our Light,” will air on broadcast, cable and digital market areas throughout the district. Previous ads cite Faso’s record of results as an innovative leader, notably his efforts to enact balanced state budgets, push for a property tax cap and his role in creating New York’s STAR program, which saves taxpayers millions of dollars each year.

Faso is running on the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform lines for Congress in the 19th Congressional District to fill the seat now held by Congressman Gibson (R), who is not seeking re-election. Gibson has endorsed Faso’s candidacy.

Mr. Faso and his wife, Mary Frances, a registered nurse, are the proud parents of two children. They have lived in Kinderhook, New York, for more than three decades.

John Faso (R-Kinderhook) is former Republican leader of the state Assembly and candidate for Congress in the 19th Congressional district. To learn more about Faso, visit johnfaso.com.

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U.S. Must Reinforce its Diplomatic Presence Around the World

KINDERHOOK, NY … October 27, 2016 — John Faso, who is running for the 19th Congressional district, today joined Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY21), local and regional emergency response and law enforcement agencies, students and local stakeholders in a frank discussion about national security and emergency preparedness.

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY21), local and regional emergency response and law enforcement agencies, students and local stakeholders in a frank discussion about national security and emergency preparedness.

During the roundtable discussion, which was led by Rep. Stefanik, Vice Chair, House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Readiness at the nonpartisan Oneonta Vets Club in Oneonta, Faso emphasized the need to strengthen our military, modernize our weapons systems and ensure our forces are well equipped around the globe — while also streamlining expensive and burdensome procurement procedures.

“The United States’s presence must be known and felt in unstable regions around the world,” Faso said. “We must respond to security threats at home and abroad while simultaneously reinforcing our diplomatic presence. We need leaders in Congress who understand the complex threats that face us and are willing to stand up to the president when necessary, and work with fellow lawmakers to ensure our nation’s safety.”

Read more about Faso’s national security plans here.

In attendance were law enforcement and emergency responders from Delaware, Schoharie and Otsego counties. Specific topics that came up from stakeholders were serious threats from Iran, ISIS, radical islamic terrorism, the potential spread of nuclear weapons around the world, securing our own borders and preventing acts of terrorism at home and abroad. Also discussed were issues of opioid abuse, treatment and response; the need for better cell service and broadband and the securing resources for law enforcement.

“We face a wide range of serious threats throughout the world that threaten the safety and security of our nation,” said Rep. Stefanik. “We need people in Congress who understand these dangers and can work with others to ensure our national and homeland defenses are up to the challenge. I believe John Faso is that kind of leader, and I’m grateful for his participation in today’s important discussion.”

Faso is running on the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform lines in November’s general election.

Faso is running to fill the seat now held by Congressman Chris Gibson (R), who is not seeking re-election. As a member of the New York Assembly, Faso developed and pushed proposals that led to real balanced budgets – including the first reduction in state spending in decades while closing a $5 billion deficit. He championed legislation that made a difference for tens of thousands of families such as the STAR program and education and real property tax reform. A former board member of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, Faso also served for three years as a member of the Control Board that worked to fix the financial and managerial issues of the City of Buffalo and its school system.

Mr. Faso and his wife, Mary Frances, a registered nurse, are the proud parents of two children. They have lived in Kinderhook, New York, for more than three decades.

John Faso (R-Kinderhook) is former Republican leader of the state Assembly and candidate for Congress in the 19th Congressional district. To learn more about Faso, visit johnfaso.com.

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More than $329K Since Last Filing

Kinderhook, NY — October 27, 2016 … John Faso, who is running on the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform lines, has raised $2.72 million in his bid for the 19th Congressional district, the campaign today announced.

In its 12-day pre-general filing, the Faso campaign will show that it has raised $329,572 during the most recent fundraising period, which encompasses October 1-October 19, according to its most recent filing. The campaign will show it has $297,574 cash-on-hand. Roughly 86 percent of its campaign contributions have come from individuals in New York State, while conversely 75 percent of Teachout’s contributors live outside New York State. A mere 12 percent of Teachout’s contributions come from residents living in the 19th Congressional District, while 32 percent of Faso’s are from within the district.

“It’s clear that we must change Washington’s failed status quo and push for common-sense reforms that improve our economy and help everyday Americans,” Faso said. “I am grateful for all of the support I am receiving in this race, and if elected, those important issues will be my priorities.”

Faso is running to fill the seat now held by Congressman Chris Gibson (R), who is not seeking re-election. As a member of the New York Assembly, Faso developed and pushed proposals that led to real balanced budgets – including the first reduction in state spending in decades while closing a $5 billion deficit. He championed legislation that made a difference for tens of thousands of families such as the STAR program and education and real property tax reform. A former board member of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, Faso also served for three years as a member of the Control Board that worked to fix the financial and managerial issues of the City of Buffalo and its school system.

Mr. Faso and his wife, Mary Frances, a registered nurse, are the proud parents of two children. They have lived in Kinderhook, New York, for more than three decades.

John Faso (R-Kinderhook) is former Republican leader of the state Assembly and candidate for Congress in the 19th Congressional district. To learn more about Faso, visit johnfaso.com.

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Higher Fuel Costs, Colder Temperatures and Energy Tax Too Much for Taxpayers

KINDERHOOK, NY … October 21, 2016 — When Professor Zephyr Teachout’s energy tax is combined with forecasts of higher energy costs and a much colder winter, it could very well be the death knell for many businesses and homeowners in Upstate New York, the campaign for John Faso today noted.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration is predicting a 20 percent spike in gas and home heating oil this winter, and forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say people in the Northeast can expect a much colder winter — about 17 percent colder in the Northeast. When these factors are coupled with Professor Teachout’s proposed energy tax, which could cost Upstate New Yorkers upwards of $1,700, the results will be like a dose of frigid water on many struggling small businesses and homeowners.

“Professor Teachout just doesn’t get it. Her ivory-tower vision and distorted views on energy would destroy small businesses and property owners who are hanging on by thread,” Faso said. “We need jobs in this district and we need to reverse Washington’s tax and spend and regulatory culture so that we can add jobs and spur Upstate’s fragile economy.”

Faso, a longtime fiscal hawk, has long maintained that his campaign is about growing the economy, curbing government spending and streamlining Washington’s regulatory mess that cripples businesses and stifles innovation. Teachout, on the other hand, is opposed to the property tax cap, which saved New Yorkers $4.5 billion in 2015, and favors an energy tax that would cost residents every time they use propane, home heating oil, fill up the gas tank or flip on the light switch.

Faso has lived in the district for more than 33 years. He has raised his family here, grown a business, and represented it as minority leader in the Assembly.  While in the Assembly, he worked with both sides of the political aisle and pushed proposals that led to real balanced budgets – including the first reduction in state spending in decades while closing a $5 billion deficit. He championed legislation that made a difference for tens of thousands of families such as the STAR program and education and real property tax reform. A former board member of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, Faso also served for three years as a member of the Control Board that worked to fix the financial and managerial issues of the City of Buffalo and its school system.

Faso is running on the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform lines in November’s general election.

Mr. Faso and his wife, Mary Frances, a registered nurse, are the proud parents of two children. They have lived in Kinderhook, New York, for more than three decades.

John Faso (R-Kinderhook) is former Republican leader of the state Assembly and candidate for Congress in the 19th Congressional district. To learn more about Faso, visit johnfaso.com.

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Unified Voice of More Than 9 Million Women-Owned Businesses Praises Candidate’s Positive Economic Plan

Kinderhook, NY … October 18, 2016 – John Faso, the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform candidate in the 19th Congressional District, earned the endorsement of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), his campaign announced today.

NAWBO was established more than four decades ago and promotes women entrepreneurs across all industries. Faso previously earned the endorsement of Carly Fiorina, former presidential candidate and CEO of Hewlett-Packard, as well as local women public servants and business owners.

“Entrepreneurship kickstarts economic growth, creates new jobs and raises a community’s overall quality of life, and women have played a huge part in the recent entrepreneurial explosion,” said Faso. “A better economic climate with lower taxes and fewer arbitrary regulations can continue to foster a culture of innovation here, but we need change in Washington. As the father of a daughter entering the workforce, I’m proud to accept the National Association of Women Business Owners’ endorsement and I look forward to fighting for the economic interests of women and families here in the 19th District.”

Established in 1975, NAWBO represents over 9 million women-owned businesses across the United States. Faso has also been endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business; U.S. Chamber of Commerce; The Business Council of New York State; Associated Builders and Contractors; MANUPAC, the political action committee for the Manufacturers Alliance of New York State; and local small business employers. His Upstate Jobs Plan would:

• Provide for the full expensing of new equipment and technology purchases up front rather than deducting the cost over several years, which would lead to increased economic growth and incentivize local investment.
• Reduce the federal corporate income tax rate from 35 to 20 percent, encouraging more good jobs to stay in the United States.
• Change the subchapter “S corporation” rules in the tax code to ensure that small businesses are not paying higher marginal tax rates than corporations.
• Reform the Dodd-Frank financial regulations to remove unnecessary paperwork requirements on community banks and promote increased lending to local businesses.
• End double taxation and switch to a territorial tax system that returns US corporate earnings to reinvest here.
• Establish clear timetables for regulatory review of economic development projects to reduce red tape.

“John understands the obstacles and the opportunities facing the business community. He has a track record of supporting business owners and working with members of both political parties to ensure economic growth,” said Teresa Meares, NAWBO National Board Chair. “We are pleased to announce our endorsement of his candidacy and look forward to working with him on behalf of our members and all small business owners.”

John Faso worked with both sides of the political aisle and pushed proposals that led to real balanced budgets – including the first reduction in state spending in decades while closing a $5 billion deficit.

He championed legislation that made a difference for tens of thousands of families such as the STAR program and education and real property tax reform. A former board member of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, Faso also served for three years as a member of the Control Board that worked to fix the financial and managerial issues of the City of Buffalo and its school system.

Faso is running on the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform lines in November’s general election.

Mr. Faso and his wife, Mary Frances, a registered nurse, are the proud parents of two children. They have lived in Kinderhook, New York, for more than three decades.

John Faso (R-Kinderhook) is former Republican leader of the state Assembly and candidate for Congress in the 19th Congressional district. To learn more about Faso, visit johnfaso.com.

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21,000-Member National Construction Group’s Empire State Chapter Backs ‘Problem Solver’ & ‘Committed Advocate for New York’

Kinderhook, NY … October 17, 2016 – John Faso, the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform candidate in the 19th Congressional District, earned the endorsement of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Empire State Chapter (ABC), his campaign today announced.

“I am grateful to ABC for standing with local contractors and small business employers who want more jobs and a better economic climate to hire and expand in their communities,” said Faso. “I’ll be a dedicated local voice for those who want to change the failed status quo of high taxes, more government and less opportunity created by liberal politicians in Albany and Washington.”

Established in 1950, the Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association with 21,000 members across 70 chapters. The Empire State Chapter represents nearly 400 contractors throughout New York State. Faso was previously endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, The Business Council of New York State, MANUPAC, the political action committee for the Manufacturers Alliance of New York State, and local small business employers. His Upstate Jobs Plan would:

• Provide for the full expensing of new equipment and technology purchases up front rather than deducting the cost over several years, which would lead to increased economic growth and incentivize local investment.
• Reduce the federal corporate income tax rate from 35 to 20 percent, encouraging more good jobs to stay in the United States.
• Change the subchapter “S corporation” rules in the tax code to ensure that small businesses are not paying higher marginal tax rates than corporations.
• Reform the Dodd-Frank financial regulations to remove unnecessary paperwork requirements on community banks and promote increased lending to local businesses.
• End double taxation and switch to a territorial tax system that returns US corporate earnings to reinvest here.
• Establish clear timetables for regulatory review of economic development projects to reduce red tape.

ABC Chairman Thomas Murphy said: “Nobody can question John Faso’s commitment to moving New York, and specifically the greater-Hudson Valley, forward. As Assembly Minority Leader, John earned a reputation as someone who understood public policy inside and out, and someone who knew how to find real solutions to the problems facing New York. With so many issues of great magnitude facing us, such as job losses and soaring taxes, we need a problem solver like John now more than ever representing us.”

President Brian Sampson said: “Having known John Faso for years, I can say definitively that you will not find a more committed advocate for New York. Rather than simply sit back and let the Hudson Valley continue to see jobs leave, he has stepped up to the plate to put his vast public policy experience to use, much to our benefit. Unlike his opponent, who relocates to fit her political ambitions at the time, John is somebody who has proven himself to the Hudson Valley, living, working and raising his family there and always trying to help make it a better place to live.”

John Faso worked with both sides of the political aisle and pushed proposals that led to real balanced budgets – including the first reduction in state spending in decades while closing a $5 billion deficit.

He championed legislation that made a difference for tens of thousands of families such as the STAR program and education and real property tax reform. A former board member of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, Faso also served for three years as a member of the Control Board that worked to fix the financial and managerial issues of the City of Buffalo and its school system.

Faso is running on the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform lines in November’s general election.

Mr. Faso and his wife, Mary Frances, a registered nurse, are the proud parents of two children. They have lived in Kinderhook, New York, for more than three decades.

John Faso (R-Kinderhook) is former Republican leader of the state Assembly and candidate for Congress in the 19th Congressional district. To learn more about Faso, visit johnfaso.com.

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