“On behalf of our entire Association, I’d like to offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of former New York State Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long. A young conservative from Brooklyn who was inspired by the words of then-presidential contender Senator Barry Goldwater, Chairman Long led a legendary political career that spanned more than five decades. Unafraid to take the fight to some of New York’s most liberal corners, Chairman Long rose to become a widely respected voice of reason, and his work to elect a new generation of Conservative and Republican leaders across the state, including Conservative Senator James Buckley and Republican Governor George Pataki, guides our efforts today as Young Republicans.
Chairman Long’s legacy, which tells us to be headstrong and unapologetic in our political convictions, but to fight for them with honor and passion, will serve as an inspiration to Young Republicans across New York for generations to come.