Joseph N. Mondello was re-elected today as the Chairman of New York Republican State Committee. The election marks the beginning of Chairman Mondello’s first full term, following his election last November to fill the remaining ten months of the previous term.

“I am honored to have the support of Republicans from across the state for a full two-year term at the helm of State Committee, so I can complete the job of rebuilding our party at the grass roots level that I began just ten short months ago,” said Chairman Mondello. “Working together, we have already accomplished a great deal, but we have much more work ahead of us to ensure a successful election in 2007 and an even better year in 2008.”

Also elected at the reorganization meetings were the Regional Vice Chairs and Committee Officers, including: Treasurer Michael Avella, Secretary Rebecca Marino, First Vice Chair and Vice Chair District 2 Vincent Reda (Rockland), Vice Chair District 1 Joseph Savino (Bronx), Vice Chair District 3 John Nolan (Saratoga), Vice Chair District 4 Vacant, Vice Chair District 5 James T. Ellis (Franklin), Vice Chair District 6 Don Leonard (Tioga), Vice Chair District 7 William O. Hatch (Steuben), Vice Chair District 8 Henry Wojtaszek (Niagara).

“Our Regional Vice Chairs and Committee Officers are critical components of our grassroots effort and are absolutely invaluable to the successful operation of our party,” said Chairman Mondello. “They help implement the programs we generate at State Committee, as well as keeping me informed about important local issues developing across the state.”

In his acceptance speech, Chairman Mondello noted that he has been working aggressively to rebuild and re-energize the state party by focusing on the grassroots fundamentals that are essential to the success of any political organization.

“Since I became State Chairman we’ve held a number of well-attended fundraisers, including the phenomenally successful state dinner that packed the ballroom of the Sheraton New York Hotel last May, that have helped put State Committee back on a firm financial footing,” said Chairman Mondello. “Coupled with very strict, no nonsense financial controls at State Committee, we will ensure that the maximum amount of every dollar raised is put to use directly in support of Republican candidates and local party organizations.”

As Chairman, Mondello has directed an expansion of grassroots party-building programs available to Republicans around the state.

“From committeeperson training seminars to candidate workshops to ‘how to’ sessions on dealing with the media, State Committee is more active than ever in providing county parties, local Republican candidates, and Republican activists with a wealth of resources vital to winning on Election Day,” said Chairman Mondello.

Chairman Mondello has also spent his time in office focused on serving as a strong, vocal advocate for bedrock Republican principles and officeholders, speaking out on critical state and national issues in regular press releases, comments in newspapers and appearances on radio and television programs across the state.

“Whether it is supporting our State Senate Majority, our Assembly delegation, Republicans in Congress, or identifying the shortcomings of Governor Spitzer and the Democrats in the ‘do nothing Congress,’ I have been out there fighting for us,” said Chairman Mondello. “I will continue to be an aggressive advocate for our party, and provide substantive comment on the issues that are so important to our party and all the people of New York State.”

Chairman Mondello’s term has also been marked by greater use of technology to increase efficiency and effectiveness, including daily emails to keep County Chairmen up-to-date on fast moving news and political developments and a new “user-friendly” website which makes news and information about Republican Party activities and candidates available to party supporters with just one “click.”

“If you aren’t using every technology at your disposal, you are falling behind,” said Chairman Mondello. “That is why we have quickly worked to upgrade our technological capabilities and will continue to expand rapidly in the future.”

Earlier this year, Chairman Mondello led Republican County Chairs and elected officials from across the state in endorsing former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani for President.

“With our party united behind the man that I firmly believe will be the next President of the United States, Rudy Giuliani, we have an incredible opportunity over the next year and a half to help shape the future of our state and nation,” said Chairman Mondello.

Chairman Mondello outlined his plans to continue party building, fundraising and candidate development efforts into this Fall’s elections and through 2008.

“The stakes have never been higher than they are for us as Republicans right now. It’s an unbelievable opportunity and responsibility. Working together, I know that we can achieve victory this fall and lay the groundwork for historic success in 2008,” concluded Chairman Mondello.

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