Orthodox Jewish Community helps achieve GOP Assemblyman win in New York

• Author: Cindy Grosz
• Published date: 18 December 2020
• Date: 18 December 2020
• Publication title: Israel National News (Israel)

In the area of Rockland County, which includes Monsey, Suffern and Spring Valley, the Republican leadership faced criticism over an anti-Semitic video in the spring of 2009 and then the following Hanukkah, the attack on a home shul made headlines around the world.

Governor Cuomo also singled out the area for its high coronavirus numbers.

Then came Election Night 2020. The New York Republican and Conservative Parties had dismal results, resulting in super Dem. majorities in both the Assembly and State Senate. However, Rockland County turned out to be a BIG winner!

Jews in Rockland County did something smart. They realized that power starts locally. They joined forces to educate the Jews to learn the issues, register to vote and get involved in the campaign of Michael Lawler. Michael Lawler won his campaign and is the only new Assemblyman in Albany.

I recently interviewed Lawler, who I knew through his work within the New York State GOP. He was excited about going to Albany and getting his voice out there to discuss the issues so important to New Yorkers as we see a mass exodus and growing tensions throughout the state.

C: Michael, Congratulations-- your win was amazing for New York. Why do you think you won when so many lost?

ML: First of all, I ran a positive campaign. People are tired of the attacks and negativity. I ran on the issues all New Yorkers agree about, even many independents and moderate Democrats, if there are any left. People want good paying jobs, quality education, access to good and affordable healthcare, safe neighborhoods and working together as a neighborhood.

C: You faced the challenge of bringing the Jewish community together to support you after the video incident last year, yet you won them over. I can personally share that many told me how proud they were to support you and now consider you a friend.

M: Like I said at the start of my campaign, I was going to reach out to each and every community in Rockland County and I did just that. I took the time to meet with residents from all around my district and speak with them about the issues they care about. We also had a strong outreach campaign driven by engaged residents across Rockland County who wanted a change of leadership in the State Assembly.

C: Tell me more about your win, because there are many local races in 2021 and other GOP candidates can learn from your strategy.

M: We won our race because we built a strong coalition and executed our plan from day one.

By reaching out...