New York State Senator, 3rd District
Senator Caesar Trunzo
(R-Islip)
vs.
Brian X. Foley
Let’s face it—it makes sense to have as many GOP senators from LI as possible on the floor of the state Legislature. But at the risk of losing one, maybe it is time to see Caesar Trunzo defeated and the seeds sown for the future. Trunzo has held the seat for more than three decades. In the Grand Old Party kingdom of Brookhaven, the Republicans have long reigned supreme. And it was a surprise when Foley, who served as a Suffolk County legislator, won the 2005 race for Brookhaven supervisor. The GOP has launched an all-out attack on Foley, despite the fact that many of them go back to the real Crookhaven days. Foley has had a hard time fighting the Philistines since taking office, with the GOP winning the seats on the Brookhaven Town Board and handcuffing him. It is typical Brookhaven politics, and with the death knell of the GOP ringing throughout Suffolk County, losing Trunzo’s seat could be Suffolk County Republican Committee Chairman Harry Withers’ Waterloo. Both state committees have poured money into the race, and as of Oct. 27, Foley had $378,802 to spend, to Trunzo’s $178,406. Trunzo has had his time. His jaded nature and matter-of-fact admission that things don’t get done in Albany is not the attitude we need. It’s OK to dream a little. Foley is a solid official with a bright future. He should get his shot to move up to the top.

New York State Senator, 7th District
Senator Craig Johnson
(D-Port Washington)
vs.
Barbara Donno
Be careful what you wish for, especially in politics. Two years ago, Craig Johnson was a Nassau County legislator, occupying the seat once held by his mother, Barbara, before she passed away in 2000. Everyone knew he had aspirations, but there were some obstacles. The largest was former State Senator Michael Balboni who, despite being in a predominantly Democratic district, was pretty safe. But then former Gov. Eliot Spitzer came calling and Balboni went to Albany to serve as the state’s homeland security czar. Johnson, who won the seat in a special election in 2007, is now facing a battle with Republican Barbara Donno, former president of the Manhasset School Board, and the sparks are flying. Johnson is accusing Donno of dirty pool, after ads tying Johnson to the scandal of lawyers and school pensions were brought to light across the state. Johnson works for the Democratically connected Garden City lawn firm of Jaspan Schlesinger Hoffman LLP, which employed attorneys ensnared in the scandal. The seat has a history of this type of stuff, though. Leading up to the February 2007 special election, the GOP blamed the Dems for making phone calls during the Super Bowl that people thought were from Republican challenger Maureen O’Connell, and recently a man who worked for the Donno campaign was arrested for stealing Johnson law signs. While Johnson still has a lot to learn and a long way to go, he is a solid presence in Albany who sits in a much-coveted seat. The tactics of Donno’s campaign put a poor light on the GOP, and, instead of attacking Johnson’s accomplishments or policies, went ugly. Johnson needs to fight the good fight. He is a good representative for the district, and may remain the lone Democrat from LI in the Senate if history repeats itself.

New York State Senator, 6th District
Senator Kemp Hannon
(R-Garden City)
vs.
Kristin McElroy
Look out, folks, here she comes! Just several months ago, there was little doubt that Kemp Hannon would keep his seat. But in recent days, the tide seems to be turning. Hannon’s district suddenly boasts more registered Democrats than Republicans. And McElroy, a Garden City lawyer and working mother of three, seems to be catching fire at the right time. Hannon will celebrate his 20th year in office in 2009 if he wins this race. McElroy’s attraction is her very identifiable position as someone who knows what it is like to raise a family and balance a career. Even though some people have expressed a desire for change and want to see Hannon move on, these are tough times for a neophyte to take office. Hannon is a stalwart Republican with deep experience. Change can be exciting—but it is not necessarily always good.