Michael R. Long

Michael R. Long (born 1 February 1940) is a former chairman of the Conservative Party of New York State. Long served in that capacity from December 1988 to January 2019. Previously, Long represented the Borough of Brooklyn at-large on the New York City Council from 1981 to 1983.

Mike Long
4th Chairman of the Conservative Party of New York State
In office 1988–2019
Preceded by	Serphin Maltese
Succeeded by	Gerard Kassar
At-large Member of the New York City Council from Brooklyn
In office 1981–1983
Preceded by	Vincent A. Riccio
Succeeded by	District eliminated
Personal details
Born	February 1, 1940
Political party	Conservative
Spouse(s)	Eileen Dougherty Long
Residence	New York City

Early life

The son of Myra and Michael Long, Long was born in Brooklyn, New York City, New York[1] and raised in southern Queens. He attended Richmond Hill High School. He dropped out of the 12th grade in 1959 in order to join the United States Marine Corps, where he served until being honorably discharged in 1961.[1][2]

Career in politics

Long marches with Vito Fossella at the Brooklyn St. Patrick's Day Parade in 2006

Long with Fred Thompson in 2007

Long represented the Borough of Brooklyn at-large on the New York City Council from 1981 to 1983.[3][4] Long unsuccessfully[5] challenged sitting New York City Councilman Sal Albanese in 1985 in the 31st District (Bay Ridge); the seat was previously held by Republican Angelo J. Arculeo.[6][7]

Long became Chairman of the Conservative Party of New York State in 1988.[2][8]

Long was mentioned in the book Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx Is Burning, which documents the 1977 New York City mayoral election; the first edition of the book accused then-mayoral candidate (and future Governor of New York) Mario Cuomo of "cold-cocking" Long; Long stated that the incident was embellished, and later editions of the book corrected the record.[9]

In 1999, Long stated that if he compromised on the issue of late-term abortion (which the Party wishes to ban), he would not be able "'to go to sleep at night or look in the mirror.'"[2] A vocal and active opponent of same-sex marriage in New York State, Long declared in May 2011 that no candidate who supported gay marriage would be allowed to run on the Conservative Party's line during elections.[10]

Long announced his retirement from the chairmanship of the Conservative Party on January 28, 2019.[11]

In February 2019, Long inaccurately claimed that under New York's newly-passed Reproductive Health Act, "If the baby was born alive, they would just let the baby expire."[12]

Personal life

In 1963, Long married the former Eileen Dougherty. Together they have nine children (Michael, Matthew, James, Robert, Christopher, Francis, Edward, Eileen and Maureen) and 10 grandchildren.[1] Long is a Roman Catholic.[13] Long's house in Breezy Point, Queens, burned down during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012.[14]

Long is the former owner of Long's Wines and Liquors in Brooklyn.[13] His brother, Thomas Long, has served as chairman of the Queens County chapter of the Conservative Party.[15]

References

1. "Michael R. Long". SmithtownConservatives.org. Archived from the original on 2012-04-26. Retrieved 2012-01-02.
2. Perez-Pena, Richard (1999-12-13). "Despite Size, Conservative Party Is a Force to Reckon With". The New York Times. Retrieved 2018-07-24.
3. Alex, John; September 5, er • (September 5, 2019). "Civic leader Mike Long talks about his distinguished career in public service". The Brooklyn Home Reporter.
4. "Our Campaigns - Candidate - Michael R. Long". www.ourcampaigns.com.
5. "The '85 Elections; Election Results in Voting Tuesday in City and on Long Island; Vote Totals for the Elections Held in New York and New Jersey". The New York Times. November 7, 1985.
6. "Our Campaigns - New York City Council - Brooklyn At-Large Appointment Race - Jun 12, 1981". www.ourcampaigns.com.
7. "Our Campaigns - New York City Council 31 Race - Nov 05, 1985". www.ourcampaigns.com.
8. Hamilton, Colby (October 15, 2010). "In the Age of the Tea Party, Who Are the New York Conservatives?". WNYC.
9. Pillfant, Reid. "Mike Long makes nice with Andrew Cuomo". New York Observer. Retrieved July 8, 2011.
10. Confessore, Nicholas (May 19, 2011). "Conservative Party is Obstacle to Gay Marriage". The New York Times. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
11. Long, Michael (January 2019). "Open letter to the Conservative Party)" (PDF). Retrieved January 28, 2019.
12. "Abortion critics wrong on effect of NY law". @politifact. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
13. "Long wins new term as Conservative Party chairman". Brooklyn Eagle. 27 September 2016.
14. Barron, James (October 31, 2012). "In Storm's Wake, Rescues, Looting, and a Rising Death Toll". The New York Times.
15. Freedlander, David (July 6, 2011). "Conservative Party gives Bob Turner nod for Weiner's old seat". New York Observer. Archived from the original on July 29, 2011. Retrieved July 6, 2011.