Dear Chairman Cox,

As we enter the New Year, it is imperative that we reflect on the past political cycle to
assure that we can accurately gauge both our successes and failures. This past year was an
important year for the party nationally but particularly important for our party and the
residents in New York State. The 2018 election was disastrous for the NYGOP on nearly all
levels. We lost every statewide election by wide margins and we lost control of the New York
State Senate in spectacular fashion. These results will allow the progressive left to dictate all
new policy and legislation for the foreseeable future, virtually unchecked. Our poor showing
on Election Day squandered a credible opportunity against a flawed governor
candidate whose administration was engulfed in a series of corruption trials. The lopsided
results also perpetuated the perception that Republicans in New York are a party without
direction and without leadership.
Unfortunately this perception has been a long time in the making. For the last two years the
NYGOP has been rife withmismanagement, mixed messages, and a lack of leadership on
important organizational and critical issues. In spring of 2018 the NYGOP met in Saratoga
without a candidate for governor. It was eight months prior to the election and there was no
clear direction, the meeting was run without proper rules of order and the floor became
stricken with anger and discontent. Unfortunately the county chairmen were not the ones to
worry about. An honorable man who became our gubernatorial candidate was left to run a
campaign with no time to raise money, no clear endorsement and no show of solidarity and
no prayer of winning a statewide election.
How we got to be in this position in Saratoga cannot be blamed on a candidate or candidates
who decided not to run for office. The blame ends with us, the party. More specifically, the
leadership is responsible for setting deadlines for candidates. Without this leadership, we
cannot effectively run campaigns, we cannot fundraise and we cannot show the state that we
are serious about winning. It is time to change our image and our direction.
Mr. Chairman, the North Country Republicans request that you graciously resign from
your position and allow a new leader to take the reins. Waiting for the undeniable outcome of
an election for State Chairman would only delay the needed restructuring and
revitalization our party sorely needs and would send a message to the citizens of our state
that we aren’t serious about becoming a viable party again. For the good of the party, Sir,
please lead by stepping down so the process of recovery can begin now. We are prepared to
celebrate your past successes publicly as you voluntarily exit from your position. We will be
honored to highlight the successes of 2016 and your role in helping to put a Republican in the
White House. Allow us to make the best of the current situation for our party and all
involved.

Sincerely,

NYGOP 4th Judicial District Counties

Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Schenectady, St. Lawrence, Warren and
Washington