Wednesday, July 7, 2010Mr. Christopher N. CoxChris Cox for Congress180 East Main StreetSmithtown, NY 11787 July 6, 2010Dear Christopher: Traditionally, the Republican and Conservative Parties have worked togetherhere in Suffolk County to elect officeholders who stand for a series of principlesand common ideals that we both endorse. This year should be no differentbecause once again we have been offered the opportunity to come together andfinally defeat an entrenched liberal incumbent, Congressman Tim Bishop.Political professionals and pundits in New York and Washington agree that TimBishop is vulnerable and can be defeated if the right candidate mounts a strong,well financed race. As I’m sure you would agree, we must make certain that ourcandidate against Tim Bishop is afforded every possible advantage; howeverwhat is absolutely required for success, is that our nominee shares Conservativeand Republican Party support.A few weeks ago the Suffolk County Conservative Party chose St. James residentRandy Altschuler as our nominee. We chose Randy because we truly felt, thatacross the board, he is the candidate best equipped to defeat Congressman TimBishop.Randy has assembled an impressive array of endorsements from local electedofficials to national figures like Newt Gingrich and Congressman Eric Cantor toorganizations like the American Conservative Union PAC. Endorsements thatinfluence a wide range of individuals from grassroots Republicans in the districtto potential contributors in Washington and beyond.In these tough economic times, families and taxpayers on Long Island want afellow resident and taxpayer to represent them in Congress. Randy is the onlycandidate in the race, Republican, Democrat or Conservative, who has a proven

record of job creation. Not one or two jobs, but well over 700 jobs across theUnited States and 250 of them in New York State alone.Since officially kicking off his campaign nearly a year ago, Randy Altschuler hascrisscrossed the district meeting with the rank and file members of our parties.He is a tireless campaigner and that, combined with targeted direct mail and asix month long TV ad campaign, has made him a formidable candidate. The Republican Party has chosen to remain neutral in the primary. While Irespect the decision of the Republican Executive Committee, it’s clear that weare potentially faced with the chance of a divisive primary or “split ticket” onNovember’s ballot, thus ensuring Tim Bishop’s reelection to two more years inCongress. We simply cannot allow this to occur. You have run a spirited campaign. The hard work and energy you and yourteam have exuded since you arrived in Suffolk County in January has elevatedthe level of debate and contributed positively to the political discourse.Sadly however, it’s clear that you do not have a viable path to victory against Tim Bishop in November. Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, a former candidatefor this seat, has been quoted as saying that not receiving the ConservativeParty’s support was a “major factor” in his decision to step out of thecongressional race. In fact, in the same article, it was noted that “Republicans'chances of electoral success in New York are typically viewed to suffertremendously without a concurrent Conservative line.”When faced with the prospect of a Republican primary being waged by StephenLebate in the 2

Congressional District earlier this year, Republican PartyChairman John Jay LaValle’s response to a press query was that Mr. Lebate wouldhave to “choose between whether he would do what is in the best interest of theman or the mission.” It’s now time for you to heed Chairman LaValle’s advice inthe 1

Congressional District. Christopher, you should withdraw your candidacyand support Randy Altschuler. Our shared responsibility for taking back this seatmust be about the mission and not the individual; it’s the right thing to do forSuffolk County and for America. The Conservative Party line set records earlier this year in special electionsinside the 1

Congressional District for both Assemblyman Dean Murray andBrookhaven Councilman Dan Panico. The wind is squarely at our back and thefortitude of our parties is strong. Now is the time to work together to ensure thatwe put forth our best effort to defeat Tim Bishop. The stakes are greater thanever, and the desires of the taxpayers and conservative voters of the entire 1

Congressional District rest on the hope that this opportunity will not besquandered.Sincerely,

Edward M. Walsh, Jr.ChairmanSuffolk County Conservative Partycc: Edward F. CoxMichael R. LongJohn Jay LaValleJessie GarciaBill EllisDenis NoncarrowErnest WruckNancy ReyerTrace Duryea