As expected, North Hempstead Town Board member Wayne Wink was chosen by Democratic county leaders this week to be the party’s candidate to replace Nassau Legis. Craig Johnson in the March 27 special election. Johnson, of course, was elected to the state Senate this month.
At the same meeting, the leaders agreed that North Hempstead Town Clerk Michelle Schimel will be the Democratic candidate for the Assembly seat vacated by Thomas DiNapoli, who became state comptroller this month — though Gov. Eliot Spitzer has yet to formally certify March 27 as the date for that seat’s special election.
Nassau Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs said he expects Spitzer on Sunday to issue the special election certificate, which will be filed on Tuesday.
Although Schimel’s selection is not official until the election date is set, “Michelle Schimel will be the candidate,” Jacobs said.
Republicans have yet to select a candidate for either race. Nassau GOP spokesman Anthony Santino said the party's candidate for Johnson’s 11th Legislative district will be announced Tuesday after a meeting of Republican leaders from the North Shore district.
The Assembly candidate will be chosen the next week, he said.
-- CELESTE HADRICK