I was raised in a Democratic family and remained a Democrat until 20 years ago. But that Democrat Party no longer exists. Where is the Democrat party of FDR, Truman, and JFK, resolute fighters against Nazi Germany, Fascism, and Communism who put America first? Today, they’ve become the party of appeasement and “America last.”
For nearly half a century, every American president from Ronald Reagan onward, and all Democrat administrations, have identified Iran as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. That judgment has never been partisan. It has been a consistent recognition of reality.
By Steve Gillan, Director of Political Affairs, Project Civica
Confidence in elections is the foundation of any democracy. Without trust in the voting system, everything else begins to erode—public participation, civic engagement, and ultimately faith in government itself. That is why the debate surrounding the SAVE America Act is so important. At its core, the legislation is about restoring confidence that American elections are secure, fair, and conducted according to clear and enforceable rules.
One of the most basic principles of election integrity is that only eligible citizens should be able to vote in American elections. It is a concept so fundamental that most Americans assume it is already universally guaranteed. Yet the need to reinforce this principle through legislation has become part of the national discussion.
What makes the debate even more striking is the level of agreement among the public. According to multiple national surveys, approximately 84 percent of Americans support policies ensuring that only U.S. citizens can register to vote and that voters provide identification when casting their ballot at a polling place. This support is not limited to one political party. Large majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and independent voters all support these basic safeguards.
That raises an obvious question: if such an overwhelming majority of Americans agree on these principles, why is the issue still controversial in Washington?
Supporters of the SAVE America Act argue that the legislation addresses this disconnect. The bill focuses on strengthening basic verification standards, ensuring accurate voter registration processes, and reinforcing accountability within the election system. The goal is not to prevent lawful voting but to reinforce the credibility of the process so that every legal vote carries the confidence it deserves.
Election integrity is not about partisanship. It is about trust. When voters believe that elections are conducted fairly and that the rules are applied consistently, they are more likely to participate and to accept the results. When that trust is weakened, voter engagement declines and political divisions deepen.
The issue also goes beyond the mechanics of elections. It touches on a broader question of democratic legitimacy. The strength of any republic rests on the public’s belief that its institutions operate fairly. A voting system that is transparent, secure, and widely trusted strengthens that belief.
Critics of election integrity legislation sometimes frame the debate as a conflict between access and security. But many Americans view the issue differently. They see election safeguards as common-sense protections that ensure fairness for everyone. Just as financial systems have identity verification and other security measures, voters expect similar standards for the process that determines who governs the country.
Ultimately, the conversation surrounding the SAVE America Act reflects a larger national concern: Americans want elections they can trust. With overwhelming public support for basic verification standards, the real question may not be whether such reforms are necessary, but why it has taken so long for policymakers to act on what so many citizens already agree upon.
Ensuring that elections are secure, transparent, and trusted should not be a partisan goal. It should be a national priority.
The Queens Village Republican Club’s 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner — celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary and the fight to save New York.
America’s oldest Republican club, the historic Queens Village Republican Club, launched its 151st Annual Lincoln Dinner on March 1 at Antun’s of Queens Village with a spectacular patriotic celebration. The gala featured keynote speaker Bruce Blakeman, candidate for Governor of New York, Saritha Komatireddy for Attorney General, and a distinguished lineup of nationally renowned honorees and special guests.
A packed and enthusiastic audience of Republican candidates and activists, elected officials, media personalities, club members, and grassroots leaders gathered to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary—honoring our nation’s proud legacy while looking ahead to a new golden age for America and the mission to save New York.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated members of our Board of Directors and Ways & Means Committee, the outstanding maître d’s and wait staff at Antun’s, and to our talented Lincoln Dinner videographer James Doukas and photographer Barry Brown for capturing the unforgettable moments of this historic evening.
Video and Photo Highlights of the 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner celebrating America 250!
151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner Opening Ceremonies
Presentation of Colors by Queens Metropolitan Army High School JROTC, “Pledge of Allegiance” led by Steve Gillan, Melissa Raye performs the “Star Spangled Banner,” and “Invocation” by Monsignor Robert Romano.
Welcome to the 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner
Welcome by Queens Village Republican Club President, Phil Orenstein.
Joe the Box Master of Ceremonies
Joe the Box is the Master of Ceremonies at the 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner. Joe is the founder of the America First Warehouse, “the most patriotic venue on the planet.”
Saritha Komatireddy for Attorney General of New York
Saritha Komatireddy is introduced by Master of Ceremonies, Joe the Box. Saritha is a respected former prosecutor, national security expert, and public servant with a career devoted to upholding the rule of law and protecting Americans. Saritha, the only prosecutor in the race, will defeat Letitia James.
Bruce Blakeman’s Keynote Speech at the Lincoln Dinner
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman who is running for Governor of New York delivers the keynote address, and is introduced by Queens Republican Party Chairman Tony Nunziato. Bruce Blakeman is a lifelong New Yorker, a father, husband, and public servant who knows how to lead, and WIN. Nassau County is one of the best-run counties in the nation – it’s the safest county in America and one of the most desirable places to live, with some of the top schools. Imagine what this kind of leadership can do statewide. As governor, Bruce Blakeman can restore New York to greatness!
Scott LoBaido Delivers Lincoln Address & Honors DVS 7.0
Scott LoBaido, the “Relentless Patriot” delivers the Lincoln Address at the 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner Gala. Scott introduces Shawn DVS 7.0 and presents him with the Christian Conservative Artist of the Year Award. DVS 7.0, an American Patriot and Christian rap artist, sings loud and proud at conservative political events, using his platform to spread messages of faith, family, American values, unity, and conservative politics. Scott LoBaido provided the American Flag Print awards as a generous and heartfelt donation in order to properly celebrate all the extraordinary honorees at the 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner.
Presentation of Roses and Shout Out to Distinguished Guests
Presentation of Roses to express our deepest appreciation for the dedication of three members of the QVRC Board of Directors, Tavia Trusch, Elena Coppola, and Suzy Chronowitz who worked day and night with love and devotion to make this gala possible. Also President Orenstein gave a shout-out to distinguished guests and supporters.
Dance Performance by Staten Island Adult Day Care Dance Troupe
A special dance performance at the Lincoln Dinner by the Staten Island Adult Day Care Dance Troupe, was a beautiful cultural performance that took everyones breath away. An encore performance at the end of the set, was joined by many joyful guests from the audience.
John Eastman Receives the Freedom Fighter of the Year Award
Dr. John Eastman was honored with the Freedom Fighter of the Year Award at the 121st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner, for being a fearless voice in defense of truth and justice. He is a Senior Fellow at the Claremont Institute and founding Director of the Institute’s Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence. He also represented President Donald Trump challenging the illegality in the conduct of the 2020 election.
Massimo Guerriero Receives the Charlie Kirk Courage Award
Massimo Guerriero, 19, is a nationally recognized student leader, legal advocate, and rising figure in conservative politics whose work has drawn attention to issues of free expression, institutional consistency, and student rights in higher education. He is currently an honors’ student at St. John’s University, where he is a member of the Catholic Scholars Program, majors in English, and maintains a 4.0 GPA while preparing for a career in law. Massimo has became widely known following his involvement in establishing a Turning Point USA chapter at St. John’s University.
Jimmy Wagner Receives the Legal Advocate for all New Yorkers Award
Honoree Jimmy Wagner, Esq. was the recipient of the Legal Advocate for all New Yorkers at the 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner. Jimmy is an attorney who has been an uncompromising defender of workers’ rights, religious liberty, and constitutional due process, especially where government authority crushes personal conscience. As founder of the Donald J. Trump Kings County Republican Club, he is driving a campaign to amend the New York City Charter, restore due process, reassert worker rights, and prevent any future administration from erasing livelihoods with the stroke of a pen.
Lara Logan Receives the Investigative Journalist of the Year Award
Lara Logan is an internationally acclaimed investigative journalist whose career has been defined by courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to truth. In her remarks after receiving her award, she shares her life experience and offers a 30 minute glimpse of reality. She talks about the rights we as Americans are given and born with, that people around the world have to fight for, and that they live and die for those rights. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that we don’t know, and Lara gives us a peek at some of it. We’re in 6th generation warfare. It’s a spiritual battle, and we must stand on our battlefield for the unity of the people we were blessed with.
Lincoln Dinner Closing Ceremonies with DJ Jimmy James
Antun’s famous Viennese dessert table came out at the close of a rapturous patriotic gala, followed by music and dancing with DJ Jimmy James and the Covid Conga Line. The evening ended with the singing of Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an America” in a circle.
The historic Queens Village Republican Club marked its 151st annual Lincoln Dinner on March 1 at Antun’s located at 96-43 Springfield Blvd. in Queens Village, drawing a packed audience of elected officials, media personalities, activists and grassroots leaders for an evening that blended patriotism, policy, and political momentum. Read more…
GOP Candidates and Activists Chart Path Forward at Queens Village Republican Club Lincoln Dinner
New York gubernatorial and AG candidates Bruce Blakeman and Saritha Komatireddy touted “common sense” governance while grassroots Republicans called for the party to embrace union workers, Latinos. Read more…
On March 1, 2026, the nation’s oldest Republican club celebrated its 151st year at the annual Lincoln Dinner in Queens, New York. The Queens Village Republican Club event featured speeches by gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman and state attorney general candidate Saritha Komatireddy, along with artist Scott LoBaido and five honorees. Founders of a brand new Republican club in Queens were in attendance. One of them talked with me about why they started it. Read more…
The attorney slammed the Democratic Party, unions, and New York courts for failing workers at Sunday’s Queens Village Republican Club Lincoln Dinner. Read more…
On March 1, 2026, the nation’s oldest Republican club celebrated its 151st year at the annual Lincoln Dinner in Queens, New York. Veteran journalist Lara Logan was honored with the club’s Investigative Journalist of the Year award and spoke about current global conflicts.
151ST ANNIVERSARY LINCOLN DINNER(03/01/2026) SI ADULT DAY CARE CENTER
City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino is under attack by the New York City Council’s ethics committee for speaking out on public policy. She faces possible censure, fines, or even expulsion.
Vickie stated: “As an elected official and an American, I have an absolute first amendment right to speak on these matters of public policy in any way I see fit. Period.”
We hold our constitutional rights dear, and protecting free speech is our fundamental duty as patriotic citizens. Neither citizens nor elected officials should be punished for expressing their political opinions.
Below is a letter you can sign and send directly to City Council Speaker Julie Menin. Flood her email in support of Vickie Paladino. City Councilwoman Linda Lee is on the ethics committee, who voted to sanction Vickie, needs to hear from us as well.
Dear Members of the City Council Ethics Committee and Speaker Menin:
Council Member Vickie Paladino has been a strong and outspoken representative for her constituents, and many New Yorkers respect her willingness to speak honestly on important issues.
Sanctioning a council member for expressing her political views raises serious concerns about our free speech protections. The First Amendment exists to protect open debate, even when opinions are controversial.
As New Yorkers and Americans, we urge the Committee to reconsider this action and uphold the constitutional principles of free expression and fairness.
Senator John C. Liu personally benefited from due process protections in 2013, when his NYC mayoral campaign faced regulatory scrutiny over campaign finance violations and a federal investigation into alleged straw-donor schemes. Though members of his campaign faced legal charges, due process protected Liu from “guilt by association” by requiring prosecutors to prove that he had personal intent and knowledge of the wrongdoing. They could not. Despite intense media scrutiny and public anger, Liu was judged in court, not by politics or politicians. He went on to serve on the New York Senate underscoring the importance of this constitutional safeguard.
Our 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner is right around the corner, and it is shaping up to be the most spectacular patriotic gala our club has ever hosted. This year’s dinner is more than an annual tradition—it is a celebration of America’s 250th birthday and a defining moment for the future of New York State. On Sunday, March 1st, at Antun’s of Queens Village, we have the opportunity to come together, pack the grand ballroom at Antun’s, and ignite a movement.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, along with other Minnesota officials—including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz, who nearly became Vice President—have helped stir up protesters in their home state against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In doing so, they have encouraged disorder, endangered public safety, and contributed to property destruction and civic unrest.
These public officials took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, the country, and its citizens. Yet their actions raise serious questions about whether they are honoring that oath or instead protecting lawbreakers at the expense of law-abiding Americans. At the very least, they appear to be enabling anarchy while turning their backs on the people who elected them.
One of our newest club committees, the Academic Freedom Committee, presented a special speaker program on Education Reform and Academic Freedom. Education is the #1 issue in America, and Republicans and Conservatives and all good people of common sense must get involved with it.
Our featured speakers included former CUNY Trustee Jeffrey Wiesenfeld and renowned historian and educator Gerald Matacotta, who discussed the historical background and the urgency of restoring excellence, merit, and free thought in America’s schools. St. John’s University student Massimo Guerriero shared a powerful firsthand account of his ongoing fight to establish a Charlie Kirk affiliated TPUSA chapter on campus, an effort blocked by the student government, raising serious concerns about viewpoint discrimination at SJU. See the videos below for the full presentation. Thank you to our videographer, Jim Doukas.
I am happy to say that U.S. Representative Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) has introduced legislation to repeal the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA), also known as the “Motor Voter” Act. The NVRA has fundamentally compromised the integrity of our electoral system by requiring states to register voters without proof of citizenship. House Resolution No. 55 (H.R. 55) seeks to repeal this unconstitutional legislation.
On January 8th the Queens Village Republican Club kicked off the New Year with the installation of our Club Officers and Board Members. True to our motto, “Educating and Informing all New Yorkers since 1875,” we were treated to a comprehensive and informational presentation on NYC’s green energy mandates, by commercial real state and energy policy expert, Edward Lombardo. See the videos below of the full presentation and Q & A. Thank you to our videographer, Jim Doukas.
Installation of 2026 QVRC Club Officers and Board Members
Chris Mancz performed the swearing in of our club Officers at the January 8th 2026 meeting of QVRC. Chris is the owner of Mancz Auto & Tire now in Floral Park, formerly Robert Mancz Service Station. They have been a neighborhood institution with over 75 years of honest service.
Greg Hach: Pro-Trump Republican candidate for Congress in NY-3
Greg Hach isn’t afraid to tell it like it is! He’s a Republican running to unseat Long Island Rep. Tom Suozzi, aka “Taxman Tom” for proposing a federal tax hike on people making over $400,000 and voting ‘NO’ on Big Beautiful Bill tax cuts and ‘NO’ to enhancing SALT deductions for New Yorkers. Greg is a US Air Force veteran, and co-founder of Hach & Rose, LLP law firm. He believes in secure borders, a strong middle class, tax relief, national security and “peace through strength.”
NYC’s Green Energy Mandates: What They Mean for Your Property & Your Wallet
At the 1/8/26 QVRC club meeting we learned from the foremost expert on the subject, Edward Lombardo, a commercial real estate mortgage and energy policy expert. New York City’s green energy mandates are no longer theoretical—they are hitting property owners with higher electric bills and serious penalties will be forthcoming under Local Law 97. This is the green energy agenda NYC has initiated to combat climate change. Knowledge is Power!
