Whether you were a Republican or Democrat, to former Congressman Jack Kemp, if you lived in Western New York you were a friend and neighbor worth fighting for. Remember, he was the quarterback and leader on the field for The Buffalo Bills that lead the team to two AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965.
Kemp served our hometown from 1971 until 1989 before becoming Housing Secretary for President George H.W. Bush. He passed away in 2009, and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama that same year.
Recently, the Conservative Party of WNY gathered to honor and remember Jack Kemp at a major political fundraiser.
What was interesting to note is that while Kemp was a Republican, the room was also filled with notable Democrats like the President of the Buffalo Chapter of the NAACP, Frank Mesiah and strategist Steve Pigeon.
Why? Because Jack Kemp championed the causes for so many, while also working to build the economy with his groundbreaking legislation for tax reform.
The event was organized by Ralph Lorigo, Chairman of the Conservative Party in WNY. He was assisted by longtime Kemp confidant and aide, Russ Gugino and Republican strategist Michael Caputo. One theme that resonated throughout the night was "Where are the Lions" to lead Republicans and Conservatives. Why are right wing political leaders fractured and find it challenging to regain power?
Guests included outspoken CNBC Television and radio host Larry Kudlow, and author and former advisor to President Nixon, Roger Stone.
WBBZ-TV cameras were there, and captured the high points of the night for "Political Buzz."
Plus, has President Barack Obama been strong enough in his handling of the uprising in Russia? Michael Caputo says no – Steve Pigeon says yes. What do you think?
Then, President of Ellicott Development and outspoken Buffalo School Board member and Republican Carl Paladino updates us on the recent rally at the New York State capital in Albany to repeal the controversial New York Safe Act for gun control. Thousands were in attendance, but do they reflect what the majority of New Yorker's think of the law? Steve Pigeon notes 67% in a Sienna Poll favor the New York Safe Act.
Watch "Political Buzz" – Where Every Voice Is Heard! Sunday 11a.m. on WBBZ-TV, Your Hometown Television Station. Channel 67.1; Time Warner Cable Ch. 5 ( HD 1230 ); FiOS 5; Dish 5; DirecTV67.
Here is more on Jack Kemp:
Jack French Kemp (July 13, 1935 – May 2, 2009) was an American politician and a collegiate and professional football player. A Republican, he served as Housing Secretary in the administration of President George H. W. Bush from 1989 to 1993, having previously served nine terms as a congressman for Western New York's 31st congressional district from 1971 to 1989. He was the Republican Party's nominee for Vice President in the 1996 election, where he was the running mate of presidential nominee Bob Dole. Kemp had previously contended for the presidential nomination in the 1988 Republican primaries.
Before entering politics, Kemp was a professional quarterback for 13 years. He played briefly in the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL), but became a star in the American Football League (AFL). He served as captain of both the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills and earned the AFL Most Valuable Player award in 1965 after leading the Bills to a second consecutive championship. He played in the AFL for all 10 years of its existence, appeared in its All-Star game seven times, played in its championship game five times, and set many of the league's career passing records. Kemp also co-founded the AFL Players Association, for which he served five terms as president. During the early part of his football career, he served in the United States Army Reserve.
As an economic conservative, Kemp advocated low taxes and supply-side policies during his political career. His positions spanned the social spectrum, ranging from his conservative opposition to abortion to his more libertarian stances advocating immigration reform. As a proponent of both Chicago school and supply-side economics, he is notable as an influence upon the Reagan agenda and the architect of the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, which is known as the Kemp–Roth tax cut.
After his days in political office, Kemp remained active as a political advocate and commentator, and served on corporate and nonprofit organization boards. He also authored, co-authored, and edited several books. He promoted American football and advocated for retired professional football players. Kemp was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 by President Barack Obama.
