As we look ahead to November’s elections, Patch sites across the Long Island are here to bring you the information you need about every race in town. Here's our start on the candidates and issues we'll be covering as November draws near. Bookmark this page for updates.
President Barack Obama: Elected in 2008 on a platform of change, this time around the president is going to have to draw from his experience at the country's helm for the past four years. Time will tell if the president visits the East End this election, but if history is any indicator, we're sure to see .
GOP Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney (presumed): While the former Massachusetts governor still needs the nomination at the GOP convention in August, the race between the president and this New England Republican is all but set. Look for Romney to point to taxes and big government to pick up East End votes. , but we expect he'll be back before Election Day.
U.S. Senate
Kirsten Gillibrand: The New York Democrat is seeking a six-year term in Washington following her appointment by then Gov. David Paterson on Jan. 23, 2009. Gillibrand, D-N.Y., replaced Hillary Rodham Clinton when she was appointed Secretary of State by President Obama. Republicans running in a primary for the right to battle Gillibrand this November include U.S. Rep. Bob Turner, R-Forest Hills, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and U.S litigation attorney Wendy E. Long.
Second Congressional District
U.S. Rep Steve Israel: The Huntington Democrat was first elected to Congress in 2000 from the Second Congressional District. The former Huntington Town Board member has been a member of the Appropriations, Armed Services, Financial Services and Science Committees in the House. He is a member of the House leadership and also serves as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The district shifts westward for the next term and becomes the Third Congressional District.
Stephen Labate: The Deer Park resident is a financial planner and a military veteran. He currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel.Labate has been called to active service three times since the attacks of Sept.11, including a lengthy deployment to Iraq. The Republican has made economic matters a major part of his platform, supporting pro-growth policies and less government involvement.
Fifth District NYS Senate
State Sen. Carl Marcellino: First elected to represent the Fifth Senate District in 1995, the Syosset Republican was recently appointed chairman of the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations. Marcellino also serves as a member on the Senate committees on rules; finance; banks; consumer protection; cultural affairs and tourism; education; environmental conservation; and labor. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in these elections is July 12. The primary election day will be Sept. 11.
Ninth District NYS Assembly
Andrew Raia: Andrew Raia, R-East Northport, is running for his sixth term in the 9th Assembly District, representing parts of the towns of Huntington, Babylon and Islip. His standing committee assignments include banks (ranking minority member), aging, health, housing and a representative for Legislative Council on Health Care Financing.
Tenth District NYS Assembly
Jim Conte: First elected to the 10th Assembly District during a 1988 special election, Conte, R-Huntington Station, presently serves as a member of the Assembly committees on health, higher education, rules and labor.
