Nassau County Republicans call on Santos to resign

Posted

George Santos has faced stiff opposition from his colleagues since arriving at Capitol Hill last week. It looks like he won’t be having an easy time at home, either.

Republican leaders from across the county gathered at GOP headquarters in Westbury Thursday and called on Rep. George Santos to resign after his trail of fabrications. The news conference was led by Nassau GOP chairman Joseph Cairo, Jr.

“He’s disgraced the House of Representatives, and we do not consider him one of our congresspeople,” Cairo said. “Today on behalf of the Nassau County Republican Committee. I’m calling for his immediate resignation.”

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman stated all constituents who have Santos as a representative should refer to newly minted U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s office for assistance with their issues. Those that can’t go to D’Esposito will be redirected to the offices of U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer or Kirsten Gillibrand — both Democrats.

“I am joined here with my colleagues in calling on George Santos’s resignation, because he cannot serve anymore,” Blakeman said. “My office will have no interaction with George Santos or his staff until he resigns. “

Blakeman also called Santos a “pathological liar.” D’Esposito is still in Washington but joined the news conference through videoconference.

“I think that what’s most important as a public servant is treating the public with respect and gaining authority — something that all of you behind that podium have done,” D’Esposito said, referring to his fellow Republicans. “George Santos does not have the ability to serve here in the House of Representatives and should resign.”

All three of Nassau County’s town supervisors attended and delivered remarks as well.

“I join with my colleagues, the town board, the elected officials in our community and all of us in Nassau County Republican team, when we ask Mr. Santos to resign immediately,” said Joseph Saladino, supervisor for the Town of Oyster Bay, before looking directly at the cameras. “George, I’m speaking to you. It’s time to step down.”

“The lies George Santos told are too numerous to count,” Jennifer DeSena, Town of North Hempstead supervisor, said. “And while I’m offended and disgusted at his deceit, my true concern is for the residents of the third congressional district. The longer he remains in office, the longer the residents of the third congressional district will suffer. Mr. Santos, haven’t you done enough harm? I call on Mr. Santos to immediately resign.”

Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck also said Santos should step down. “We need representation that we can count on,” she said. “He’s told so many lies he doesn’t know what the truth is and he’s making a mockery out of the entire congressional system.” 

Also attending were Senators Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Jack Martins, as well as Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz. 

“It is a great stain on the Republican Party of Nassau County that he worked with us,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “I am particularly offended also, as a representative of the Five Towns and the Orthodox community. What he did regarding his religious status was exceptionally offensive. And for them, I stand here and ask that he step down.”

Santos has been under fire since a New York Times report that challenged pretty much all the claims he has made about himself throughout this recent campaign, and his 2020 unsuccessful run against Tom Suozzi. Everything from education, employment, philanthropic activity, and salaries don’t check out.

George Santos himself, as reported by CNN, is ignoring this call to resign. Asked by reporters mere moments after this news conference if he would, Santos made it clear. “I will not,” he said, before declining to answer additional questions. But he did comment on Twitter.

“I was elected to serve the people of NY-03 not the party & politicians,” Santos tweeted. “I remain committed to doing that and regret to hear that local officials refuse to work with my office to deliver results to keep our community safe and lower the cost of living. I will NOT resign!”