Republicans are polling to determine who might be the best contender if state Sen. Ceasar Trunzo ends his 34-year career and steps down, several local GOP sources say.
Rumors have been swirling about the Brentwood Republican since December when he injured a rib in a fall, forcing him to miss much of the first month of the Albany session.
Trunzo has also had some respiratory problems and the health of his wife, currently hospitalized, is also a concern. Trunzo did not return calls for comment.
One GOP insider said Senate Republicans are pressing Trunzo, 80, to remain until the end of his term because the party wants no part of another special election following Nassau GOP County Clerk Maureen O’Connell’s loss — although Gov. Eliot Spitzer, a major factor in that race, has seen his own poll numbers slip.
The poll is a preventive measure, in case Trunzo decides to retire. “They are doing their homework early in case they have to go to the farm team,” said the source.
Rick Brand
John McArdle, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R-Brunswick) said, “We routinely do polls for all 33 incumbents but I don’t know where we are in that rotating schedule.” Asked about polling for potential Trunzo successors, he said, “I am not aware of any polls that are that specific.” Senate Democrats are also taking preliminary steps, according to a local party source.
Among those the poll lists as potential contenders are GOP town board members Christopher Bodkin, Pamela Greene, William Rowley and Stephen Flotteron as well as Legis. Cameron Alden of Islip and Thomas Barraga of West Islip -- which is out of the district -- and Brookhaven town board member Timothy Mazzei. One unexpected name was former Islip Supervisor Peter McGowan, who forfeited his $1-million campaign fund and served a brief sentence last year -- for misusing campaign funds.
The poll also tested several Demoratic names including Assemb. Ginny Fields of Oakdale, businessman David Ochoa of Patchogue and Legis. Ricardo Montano of Central Islip.
Missing among those names was Trunzo’s foe in the last two races, Jimmy Dahroug, Supervisors Brian Foley of Brookhaven and Philip Nolan of Islip, and other elected Democrats including Assemb. Philip Ramos of Centeral Islip, Assemb. Patricia Eddington of Medford and popular Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri.
Richard Schaffer, Suffolk Democratic chairman, warned if Trunzo exits Democrats will be highly competitive, given the number of Democratic incumbents now representing the area. “The seat is as safe as Mike Balboni’s,” he said, referring to former GOP state senator who now works as Spitzer's top anti-terror expert.