The TimesLedger should perhaps require some minimum amount of fact−checking before going to print, e.g., by checking with me, checking with Queens GOP Chairman Phil Ragusa, or with the state GOP.
There is no “Republican debacle” as to who is the chairman of the Queens County Republican Party. Ragusa was decisively re−elected at our county re−organizational meeting on Oct. 3. I know this because I was there to witness his victory. Ragusa has been officially and publicly acknowledged as the duly elected chairman by the State Republican Party and state Chairman Ed Cox and, of course, is listed on the state party’s Web site as such.
The Haggerty brothers have filed an instrument misrepresenting the results of this re−organizational meeting. It is just plain sad. After failing to take over the county organization year in and year out, through primaries and frivolous lawsuits, they have now resorted to this filing. In fact, a criminal referral was made last year shortly after their alleged false filing. Knowingly filing a false instrument with a government entity is a crime.
Not only was Ragusa re−elected by a wide margin, he has played a signature role in ushering in local Republican victories and reinvigorating the Grand Old Party throughout Queens despite these unending and ridiculous tactics by these gadflies. Ragusa has evidenced real leadership and anyone who believes a two−party system is healthy for our democracy ought to thank him for all the time he gives to building the GOP and providing voters in Queens with viable alternatives at the ballot box.
Judith D. Stupp
Republican State Committeewoman
26th Assembly District
Bayside
