[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 114 (Friday, June 30, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF MIKE LONG

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 30, 2023

  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of New York's 21st Congressional 
District, I rise today to recognize and honor my good friend, Mike 
Long, the longtime Chairman of the Conservative Party of New York.
  Mike Long was a man of integrity who lived a life of service above 
self. In the realm of New York politics, he was among the most highly 
respected leaders, held in high esteem by both his allies and his 
political opponents.
  Proudly born in Brooklyn, New York, Mike was raised in southern 
Queens. In 1959, feeling strongly that he had a duty to his country, he 
enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military 
service, Mike began his career in elected office, serving on the New 
York City Council before becoming Chair of the New York State 
Conservative Party. Throughout his term, Mike met with virtually every 
state and federal Republican and Conservative candidate running for 
public office. His chairmanship continued for more than 30 years, a 
testament to his character, his work ethic, his leadership, and his 
determination to make a difference.
  Mike proudly stood as a champion for hard-working New Yorkers and a 
lifelong advocate for smaller government, lower taxes, and improving 
the lives of New York families. In recognition of his strong defense of 
the rights of the unborn, Pope Saint John Paul II named him a Knight of 
St. Gregory, one of the highest honors for a Catholic layman.
  I am honored that I was able to call Mike a true friend.
  When I first ran for office, I reached out to Chairman Long to set up 
a formal meeting and seek his advice. The meeting was set for his 
Brooklyn office, however, I had gotten lost driving in the city and 
ended up being hours late. When I arrived, Mike couldn't have been more 
gracious--I will never forget it--he said I will probably win my 
campaign because I know how to drive in upstate New York, but clearly 
not in New York City.
  I was proud to earn his support and that of the Conservative Party. 
My family was honored to have Mike and his wife, Eileen, at our wedding 
years later. He is a dear lifelong friend.
  While my heart remains broken under the weight of his irreplaceable 
loss, my sadness gives way to joy when I think of Mike at peace in 
heaven, keeping tabs on New York politics surrounded by angels.
  As I honor him for his service and an extraordinary life well lived, 
we join together in praying for his beloved family, thousands and 
thousands of friends, and a vast community of admirers.

                          ____________________