As we look ahead to November’s elections, Patch sites across 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 Long Island this election, but if history is any indicator, we're sure to see .
GOP Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney (presumed, now confirmed): 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. Long Island, but we expect he'll be back before Election Day.
GOP Vice Presidential Nominee Paul Ryan (presumed, now confirmed): Romney picked the 42-year-old two weeks before the in Tampa, Florida.
U.S. Senate Incumbent: U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, is seeking a six-year term in Washington following her appointment by then Gov. David Paterson on Jan. 23, 2009. Gillibrand 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. Representative Bob Turner, R-Forest Hills,Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and U.S litigation attorney Wendy E. Long.
U.S. Senate Challenger: Wendy E. Long is seeking to unseat Gillibrand this year, after winning the New York GOP primary against U.S. Representative Bob Turner, R-Forest Hills,Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos in June. Long is a Manhattan-based U.S. litigation attorney who's now making the rounds and in her campaign. She's of the state’s Conservative Committee. She has also received endorsements from a number of people including former U.S. Ambassador John Bolton, television personality John Bolton and state lawmakers Annie Rabbitt, Nancy Calhoun, Steve Katz, and William Larkin.
State Senator Owen Johnson: There were rumors earlier this year that Johnson, who was first elected to the State Senate in 1972, . And now the West Babylon resident will indeed not be on the once again. The Republican holds a leadership role on the Senate Finance Committee where he serves as the Vice Chair.
State Senator Challenger Phil Boyle: With Johnson retiring after 40 years, - New York state assemblyman representing the Eighth Assembly District covering southwestern parts of Islip Town and southeastern parts Babylon Town - has been by the GOP to be the Republican candidate in the Fourth State Senate District. Read more about him and .
State Senator Challenger Ricardo Montano: Suffolk Legislator Ricardo Montano has bucked Democratic Party leaders in filing the required number of petitions to the senator. Montano, a Democrat who lives just outside the district’s boundaries in Brentwood, is permitted to run for the seat because this year is a reapportionment year. He's served on the Legislature since 2004. Read more about him and .
Assemblyman Robert Sweeney: Sweeney served more than 14 years as Lindenhurst Village Clerk before being elected to the Assembly in a special election in 1988. Sweeney, a Democrat, is a graduate of Lindenhurst Public Schools and received his bachelor's degree from Adelphi University and a master of public administration from C.W. Post.
Challenger Rashad Cureton: has been picked by Babylon Town Republicans to run against Sweeney in November. A recent Stony Brook University graduate with a degree in political science, Cureton works at a local law firm. This is his first race. Read more about Cureton .
Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer: He was appointed to take over as supervisor in January following Steve Bellone being elected to the Suffolk County Executive seat in November 2011. This is 's second stint as supervisor, having served in the seat before Bellone was elected to it. A North Babylon native, Schaffer's also the Suffolk County Democratic chairman.
Supervisor Challenger Mark Gallo: has been picked by Babylon Town Republicans to run against Schaffer in November, according to a report in Newsday. A Lindenhurst native, serves as assistant elections commissioner, and previously unsuccessfully ran for elected office against Suffolk County Legislator and Deputy Presiding Officer Wayne Horsley three years ago. Read more about Gallo .
