Stefanik's long goodbye
And a video about healing after the election
By Darren Johnson
Journal & Press
A Video About Healing After a Contentious Election
First, let’s start today’s newsletter with a video subscriber Wayne Kuzmich made about finding common ground after the election. Consider it a video “Letter to the Editor” from the maker.
Kuzmich said: My motivation for producing this video is to challenge myself first how I should be living in light of the two great commandments and the golden rule of the Bible. As a spiritual being having a human experience, I have a responsibility to be salt and light and an ambassador and witness of God’s love and grace. It is to be a vertical love of God and a horizontal love and friendship toward other humans. We are to be good stewards and blessings because of we have blessed. Secondly to encourage others of the same and to be mindful that America is an experiment in democracy and not perfect. As humans we have a corruptible heart and we need someone to trust who is incorruptible. Our ultimate hope rests in God only and not in man or political leaders. Americans have voted and we need to be aware that we may reap what we sow. With all the anger and division, we as Americans and sojourners need to rise up and focus in God’s commandments and golden rule to help heal our country. Friendship is truly a blessing. To love and to be loved is a taste of heaven.
I lived in beautiful Greenwich, NY. My heart will always be thankful to my family and friends there. I was blessed to be married 54 years to my wife Carla Kuzmich who passed in December 2022. I am blessed with three living sons and wonderful grandchildren. I am a veteran. My career has been primarily in project management, and I was fortunate to be involved with two undersea cables Tat-14 and May-1 allowing me to travel Internationally for three years.
Stefanik’s Farewell
Yesterday, our congressional representative Elise Stefanik sent her announcement that she’s leaving us to take a post in Washington. Our Facebook audience had fun wishing her farewell. Here is the long statement:
Washington, D.C. - House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik released the following statement:
“I am truly honored to earn President Trump's nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate.
“President Trump’s historic landslide election has given hope to the American people and is a reminder that brighter days are ahead - both at home and abroad. America continues to be the beacon of the world, but we expect and must demand that our friends and allies be strong partners in the peace we seek.
“The work ahead is immense as we see antisemitism skyrocketing coupled with four years of catastrophically weak U.S. leadership that significantly weakened our national security and diminished our standing in the eyes of both allies and adversaries. I stand ready to advance President Donald J. Trump’s restoration of America First peace through strength leadership on the world stage on Day One at the United Nations.
“I will forever be grateful to my beloved constituents in New York's 21st Congressional District for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to work my very hardest to serve and give them a voice at the highest levels of Congress. Ten years ago, Upstate and North Country voters took a chance on a young, first-time, unknown candidate who very few believed could win. I was proud to be the youngest woman elected to Congress at the time and to earn their overwhelming vote of confidence in six general elections.
“Thank you to my colleagues in the House for entrusting me to serve as House Republican Conference Chair as a part of your leadership team. I am proud of my strong record as a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Intelligence Committee, and the Education and Workforce Committee, as well as the legislative and constituent services results my office successfully delivered to our district.
“Thank you to the hardworking families, small businesses, farms, law enforcement officers, military families, veterans, seniors, and local elected officials whom I have worked so closely with on behalf of our communities. And most especially, thank you to my extraordinarily dedicated staff in the District and Washington offices for serving our constituents tirelessly for the past decade.
“My family and I are excited for this next chapter in New York and Washington to work hard to serve our country on President Donald Trump's team.
“No matter where this journey takes us, Upstate New York - the cradle of the American Revolution - will always be my heart and home."
President Trump's statement:
"I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as United States Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is a strong and very smart America First fighter. She graduated from Harvard University, with honors, was the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, and is the highest ranking woman in Congress, as the House Republican Conference Chair. She was the first Member of Congress to endorse me, and has always been a staunch advocate. Elise is a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Intelligence Committee, and led the charge against antisemitism on college campuses. She will be an incredible Ambassador to the United Nations, delivering Peace through Strength and America First National Security policies!"
What’s Next?
The governor, Kathy Hochul, will set a date for a special election in this district, which will likely be costly because the region is so large.
While you can see the lines are drawn quite carefully to protect a Republican candidate, special elections are odd birds where only the most informed voters show up. I’ve seen some upsets in these type races.
Both sets of county chairs are set to meet to pick candidates. Word has it that Stefanik will have a say as to who the GOP candidate is. Will she pick someone as far-right as herself?
If the Democrats finally back someone who isn’t a vanity candidate, and if lots of national money comes in, they maybe could eke out a win.
I’d contend that the candidate needs to be homegrown — not a carpet-bagger who hires a flashy publicist, but someone more authentic — a proven winner and have a significant base in a relatively more populated part of the district.
The ultimate candidate would be a John Fetterman type; an independent thinker who moderates can vote for. This guy can win in red Pennsylvania — though his opponent was the problematic Dr. Oz. At least Fetterman isn’t afraid to go on “The Joe Rogan Podcast.”
I guess we’ll see.
And now for the comics — “The Middletons” by Dana Summers.
More tomorrow!
Thank you for your coverage of Stefanik's goodbye.
To my knowledge, she has not "officially" resigned yet. I suppose she is waiting for the Senate confirmations -- or non-confirmations, as Trump is pushing for.
I have expressed my interest on social media and by direct email to the NY-21 Democratic County Chairs that I am interested and willing to run in the Special Election. I have supporters, many of whom still have my yard signs, who are willing to snap back into gear and continue the work that we had started.
I have also announced my candidacy for 2026.
I believe it would make the most sense for the Democrats to field the same candidate in the 2024 General Election, the 2025 Special Election, and the 2026 General Election.
You wrote: "If the Democrats finally back someone who isn’t a vanity candidate, and if lots of national money comes in, they maybe could eke out a win.
I’d contend that the candidate needs to be homegrown — not a carpet-bagger who hires a flashy publicist, but someone more authentic — a proven winner and have a significant base in a relatively more populated part of the district."
I am not a carpet bagger. I do not have a flashy publicist. I am authentic. And having campaigned since February, I now have a significant base throughout the district.
I hope that I will have your support and the support of your readers.
BTW, I am also troubled with your referencing Matt Castelli as a "vanity candidate." You made that statement in an earlier edition. I'm not sure what that means, I can only guess. He was, by far, a better candidate to Stefanik in every way possible. She's off the the UN.........the world stage might be a bridge too far.