Statement by Chairman Joseph N. Mondello

Recent developments at both the state and national level have led to an increasingly positive forecast for Republicans in New York State.

A recent Siena poll of the Presidential race in New York, which can be found at www.siena.edu/sri/, shows strong support for Republican John McCain and his positive vision for America. Senator McCain is in a statistical dead heat with both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama. In critical regions of the state that have many downticket Republicans, Senator McCain has strong and growing leads over both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama of between five and eleven points.

Meanwhile, Senator Clinton and Senator Obama continue to drag their race deeper into the mud with personal attacks, disappointing revelations and fabricated stories, eroding Democrat support and enthusiasm.

At the state level, Republicans fought to ensure a timely budget in the wake of Eliot Spitzer’s resignation. Their efforts led to a budget that spent less than the proposed budget and fought off burdensome tax increases, while making wise investments in the priorities that are critical to New York’s families and businesses. This hard work and leadership has led to an increase of support for Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, Assembly Republican Leader Jim Tedisco and their Republican conferences.

By continuing to work hard and present a better vision for the future, Republicans will help New York and America face its many challenges and move forward together.

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