Garden City Young Republicans Redux

It's been more than seven years since the Garden City Young Republicans Club has been active in Nassau County politics. But, Nicole Russo, the club's president, is betting that a recent get together at the Garden City Hotel will serve as a catalyst and help to relaunch the group into the heart of county politics.

Russo, who is also a legislative aide for NYS Senator Kemp Hannon, said that in the past the Garden City Young Republicans have helped to further Republican candidates and causes. Looking forward, she said that the club will support the upcoming November campaigns such as the 4th Congressional District, Senator Kemp Hannon in the 6th Senatorial District as well as Tom McKevitt in the 17th Assembly District, among others.

"We are especially working hard to convey to candidates how hard it is for our generation to work and live on Long Island," says Russo.

The club is currently comprised of about 10 members, many from other clubs such as the Nassau County Young Republicans or other community Young Republican clubs, Russo adds. "Everyone is welcome to come, it's a great way to network and socialize."

Moreover, Russo expects that in the coming days the club will be "credentialed" or officially recognized by both Nassau County and New York State Young Republicans. This official recognition will also allow the club to use the name "Garden City Young Republicans," as well as participate in state and nationwide events, including leadership conferences and similar activities.

Peter Zinno, a candidate running for Congress in the 4th Congressional District to unseat Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, said at the get together that he's "very excited about youth getting more involved in politics."

"Nicole [Russo] has helped to revitalize the Young Republicans and get them back on the map," says Zinno, who has a long career as both an acclaimed teacher and coach on Long Island. He was active as a Young Republican years back.

"Kids today are upset about what's going on. We need to get young kids back involved in the political process," said Zinno, who most recently attended the 2008 Republican National Convention and was featured as part of the documentary, Poliwood.

Victoria Bruno, a 27-year-old librarian, has been a member of the Nassau County Young Republicans since 2008 and active with the Garden City Young Republicans since last December. Bruno said that recently she's been to a number of local political events such as fundraisers and candidate debates.

"As a Young Republican, I hope to get the message across that young people can make a difference in the way politics is today," she said, "even if it's just on the local level."

And Bruno is not alone.

The club's vice president, James Regalbuto, who works in business and estate planning for a large insurance company on Long Island, said that despite his all-business background in college, he always had a strong interest in politics.

"While I was at the University of Miami, I was also an intern for Senator Bill Nelson, who is ironically a Democrat," Regalbuto recalled.

After deciding to sign-on with the Young Republicans as vice president, Regalbuto said that he discussed some guiding principles for the club with Russo. "First, even though we were Republicans, we were going to be independent," Regalbuto said.

Russo clarified that the club's mindset is to support not only Republican candidates but also candidates that are "working hard for our generation and finding ways to allow people to live, work and play on Long Island."

Regalbuto also stressed that the club would remain an open forum, especially for young voters leaving Long Island in droves. He added that the club would not endorse anyone while allowing all views and candidates to be represented.

In an emailed statement, Russo expanded on the club's policy regarding endorsing candidates. "We would not endorse anyone, as a club, until the Nassau County Republican Committee endorses a candidate. Sometimes it is hard because right now we have a Republican endorsed candidate, Fran Becker, going against someone who was a hopeful for the Republican nod, Frank Scaturro," Russo said.

She added that Scaturro is currently petitioning for a primary race on the Republican line. "Many Republicans in Nassau County are split on this decision," Russo said.

"The Garden City Young Republicans have had some great success so far and things appear to only be getting better," Regalbuto said. "We've had some great guests stop by our meetings and our numbers have grown almost entirely by word of mouth."