Spin Cycle

A serious Democratic challenge to veteran Republican Rep. Peter King looks like an iffy prospect at best - despite the party's hopes in other races.

When discussing their New York congressional strategy for November, the party's national operatives steer your attention elsewhere. They are looking, for example, to replace Vito Fossella, New York City's lone Republican congressman, with Democratic City Councilman Domenic Recchia (and we are promptly urged this morning to take into account the move by local Democrats to run Stephen Harrison, who for example has backing from the Staten Island Democratic Association). The national Dems plan to defend rookie upstate Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand from a challenge by Sandy Treadwell, who served as state Republican chairman under Gov. George Pataki.

But so far, no contender has emerged to take on King, 63, of Seaford, first elected to the House in 1992, who is the Long Island delegation's sole Republican.

"If a strong candidate emerged the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee would put New York's Third District on its list of top-tier races," said a well-placed party source. "It's not that there's a lack of priority." Jay Jacobs, the Nassau Democratic chairman, said two potential candidates are being considered.

King, whose campaign committee last month reported $604,240 in cash on hand, quipped that he hopes the Democrats' uncertainty will keep up. But, he added, "It's a long way to go to November. I always expect a strong candidate and a tough race. I have no problem putting my record on the line." He noted that he won by 12 points in 2006, even as Congress turned from Republican to Democratic. King's last opponent, Nassau Legis. David Mejias, has been weighing a run this fall for State Senate against Sen. Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City).

Dan Janison