Former State GOP Chair Steve Minarik Dies At 49

by: phillip anderson

Mon Apr 13, 2009 at 08:57:02 AM EDT

Former GOP chairman Steve Minarik dies of heart attack

Whether viewed as brilliant tactician or partisan brawler, Steve Minarik was for decades an unrelenting force in local politics - a kingmaker to some, nemesis to others and the architect of today's Monroe County Republican Party.

Minarik, former county and state GOP chairman, died of a heart attack on Sunday. He was 49. Funeral arrangements have not yet been set.

The news shocked political leaders across the state, and from both sides of the aisle.

"With Steve, you got what you saw," said Assemblyman Joseph Morelle, D-Irondequoit, chairman of the Monroe County Democratic Committee. "He was the same always. He wouldn't back down from a fight. We had animated conversations. But the great thing, he didn't put on airs. He wasn't trying to be anything but himself."

The tough-talking Minarik served as the county GOP chairman from 1992 until last year. He was 32 when he took over the party, the youngest GOP chairman in the county's history. And he led the party to some of its largest victories, taking control of county government and winning races for county executive, sheriff and most town supervisor seats despite Democratic enrollment increases.

He also served as state party chairman from 2004 to 2006, where he faced the uphill battle of finding candidates to run against Democratic gubernatorial candidate Eliot Spitzer and then-Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Republicans lost all statewide offices in 2006.

Our condolences to Mr. Minarik's friends and family.

Minarik Out As Monroe County GOP Chair; Headed To MCC?

by: robert.harding

Sat Jun 28, 2008 at 00:17:33 AM EDT

Minarik was chair of the Monroe County GOP since 1992. He also served as the state GOP chairman for four years at the end of the Pataki Administration. His Democratic counterpart in Monroe County, Assemblyman Joe Morelle, issued this statement about Minarik's resignation.

"Steve Minarik single-handedly rebuilt the local Republican Party.  And, while he and I have very different views on government and politics, I have considered him a most worthy adversary.  I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

"I also believe that simply changing leaders will not change the fundamental differences between the Democratic and Republican Parties in Monroe County.  Democrats will continue to ensure Monroe County residents get the very best government possible in return for their hard-earned tax dollars."

But Rochester Turning has the story. Our friends at RT have been covering the situation regarding the Monroe Community College president search. Apparently Minarik's resignation will take him right into the interim president's seat at MCC.

From RT:

We've heard from two independent sources this evening that Steve Minarik's abrupt resignation is because he is to be named as interim president of MCC.  The timing certainly fits- a surprise resignation late in the day Friday, and what's happening first thing Monday?

   MCC Board of Trustees Special Meeting
   9:00 a.m., Monday, June 30th in Monroe A

   It is expected that an interim president will be appointed at this meeting.

Locally for Monroe County, this is a huge issue. This is the Brooks reign at its finest (or worst, depending on what you want to call it). Stay tuned...

Minarik's tactics questioned in SD-48

by: robert.harding

Thu Feb 28, 2008 at 19:27:24 PM EST

Minarik is being criticized because of negative attacks that apparently were even too negative for some Republicans. Some Republicans are even blaming Minarik's tactics for the loss.

For the record, Wahl Media made a pretty penny for their efforts. According to Will Barclay's campaign finance filing, Minarik's Wahl Media made $643,833 through February 8. Meaning, they could have made more money, which we will know with the post-election filings.

What will this mean for Minarik? The talk in Albany circles is that Minarik's role in the 56th Senate District race might be limited by the state GOP. In fact, the state GOP might try to play a more dominant role in SD-56 because of Minarik's failures in SD-48.

This might not be a good sign for Republican Joe Robach in SD-56. Minarik and Robach are very close. If Minarik is pushed aside by the state GOP, that could be good for the Democrats in that district. Not that Minarik is a political guru, but the state GOP had their chance to play a huge role in the SD-48 race and they lost big time. So if they jump into SD-56, that could be a very good thing for Democratic candidate in the district and could make the race more appealing to the New York State Democratic Party.