John Jay LaValle, Suffolk GOP chief, lambastes Ted Cruz

He may not yet say who he‘s endorsing for president, but Suffolk Republican chairman John Jay LaValle Monday made clear it will not be Sen. Ted Cruz because “it is apparent you do not value New Yorkers.”

LaValle issued a broadside in declining Cruz’s invitation to LaValle to participate in a round-table event he is hosting Tuesday in Manhattan.

“Unfortunately your comments regarding so call ‘New York Values’ and your opposition to Superstorm Sandy Relief package … are counter to judgment and compassion many Long Islanders want to see in their president,” LaValle said in a letter.

The relief package “helped put hundreds of thousands of people backing their homes” after the storm, LaValle said.

“I’m a proud Republican, but I’m a New Yorker first and your words and votes have disrespected the upstanding and hardworking citizens of the Empire state,” said LaValle.

LaValle’s comments came less than a week after Nassau Republican Chairman Joseph Mondello endorsed Donald Trump for president. Neither LaValle nor Suffolk Republicans have taken a formal position on whom they are endorsing in the upcoming April 19 primary.

LaValle said that in an informal online Suffolk GOP survey of 409 of likely primary voters, Cruz’s favorability was “ minus 10,” while Ohio Gov. John Kasich had a positive 20 and Trump a plus 40.

“ ... Given your offensive tact toward New Yorkers your campaign should expect an overwhelming majority of Suffolk Republicans to be supporting your opponents,” LaValle said.

Cruz’s campaign couldn’t be reached immediately for comment.