Max Rose roasts Republicans and Democrats at party for political consultants

Former Rep. Max Rose brought the house down Thursday night at the annual holiday party for the American Association of Political Consultants, hosted by Bradley Honan and Chapin Fay, who are co-presidents of the AAPC New York Metro chapter. In addition to Rose, state Republican Party Chair Ed Cox was a guest of honor at the party, which also featured brief speeches from state Sens. Jeremy Cooney and Tim Kennedy. While Cox spoke earnestly about his history in politics – which dates back to the Nixon administration – and what he’s learned over the years about dealing with the press, Rose treated the night more like a roast.

The former member of Congress was there to talk up his new $9 million nonpartisan initiative to increase the youth vote, but it was his shots at Democrats and Republicans alike that really won over the crowd. “Chairman (Cox), thank you for representing the youthful future of the Republican Party,” Rose joked, before adding that it was an honor because “this is the first time that I’ve ever met the chairman of a major political party in New York” – a jab at state Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs. The congressional cut-up then announced a (fake) plan to end the city’s matching funds program, which serves as a major source of income for many of the campaign consultants in the room.

At one point, he even called up Eugene Noh – a consultant known for his work with progressive Asian elected officials, including his wife, New York City Council Member Julie Won – and asked him to take off his suit jacket. “This is a lesson to each of you as to what you should do if you want to show real loyalty to your clients,” he said, as Noh rolled up his sleeve to reveal a “Max Rose for Congress” tattoo that he had received while working as the field director for Rose’s congressional campaign. “I did it, to be honest, for like three grand a month too!” Noh said.

When City & State caught up with Rose after his speech to ask him if he’d consider running for Congress again following redistricting, Rose continued the snark. “I would consider it and continue to consider anything, whether that’s running or becoming a City & State reporter,” he said.