The Suffolk Legislature’s last two Republican presiding officers — Legis. Joseph Caracappa and ex-lawmaker Paul Tonna — have come out for the re-election of Democratic County Executive Steve Levy as part of a group dubbed Republicans for Levy.
The group surfaced yesterday while local Republican officials continue to wrestle with whether they should put forward their own candidate for county executive or cross-endorse Levy, like the GOP did with District Attorney Thomas Spota two years ago and Democrats did with Republican Comptroller Joseph Sawicki last year.
What makes Caraccapa’s endorsement unusual is that the Selden Republican is still in office, though he cannot run for re-election because of the county’s term limits law, and his name has surfaced as a potential GOP candidate for several Brookhaven offices, including town supervisor and highway superintendent. Caracappa could not be reached for comment.
Rick Brand
Levy said he and Caraccappa have bonded over the last year or so because of their joint concern on how the illegal immigrant issue was affecting homeowners in Farmingville and other communites. Levy’s relationship with Tonna goes back to when Levy backed Tonna in a bipartisan coalition to make him presiding officer.
“I think they came forward because they are pleased with the sound fiscal leadership we have brought to the county,” said Levy.
Joining the two elected officials are attorney Mitchell Pally, former chief lobbyist for the Long Island Association, and former Smithtown Town Attorney John Zollo.
Harry Withers, Suffolk Republican chairman, could not be reached for immediate comment and Jesse Garcia, Brookhaven GOP leader, declined immediate comment.
Rumors have circulated that Caracappa might join Levy’s administration, but the county executive said there have been no discussions about hiring Caracappa. Others have speculated that Caracappa might be under consideration for a job at Suffolk County Community College, or one with Conservative County Sheriff Vincent DeMarco.
Comments (2)
Anyone really shocked by this? Tonna really is a Democrat and Caracappa's poor leadership is the reason the Dems have a legislative majority. I'm sure'll help campaign for democratic legislative candidates next too. Good job guys!
How can that asswipe expect to get a job at the county college? He doesn't even have a degree.