Politics & Government

Mineola 2012 Election Guide

Our wrap-up of the candidates, incumbents and issues facing voters in November.

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 the East End this election, but if history is any indicator, we're sure to see .

GOP Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney (presumed): 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. , but we expect he'll be back before Election Day.

Find out what's happening in Mineolawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

U.S. Senate: U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., 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. Rep. Bob Turner, R-Forest Hills, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and U.S litigation attorney Wendy E. Long.

Third Congressional District

Find out what's happening in Mineolawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

U.S. Rep. Steve Israel: The Huntington Democrat was first elected to Congress in 2000 from the Second Congressional District. The former Huntington Town Board member has been a member of the Appropriations, Armed Services, Financial Services and Science Committees in the House. He is a member of the House leadership and also serves as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The district shifts westward for the next term and becomes the Third Congressional District. Stay tuned for Israel's campaign blog on Patch.

Stephen Labate: The Deer Park resident is a financial planner and a military veteran. He currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel. Labate has been called to active service three times since the attacks of Sept. 11, including a lengthy deployment to Iraq. The Republican has made economic matters a major part of his platform, supporting 

Fourth Congressional District

Nassau County Legis. , R-Lynbrook, and Frank Scaturro, who will vie for the  in 4th Congressional District to face incumbent Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-Mineola, this fall. A new map eliminates two existing congressional districts in the state, going from 29 to 27 districts. One of the lost seats will be on Long Island, which will now have four representatives instead of five.

7th District NYS Senator

Jack M. Martins: The Mineola Republican is serving his first term in the New York State Senate. Formerly mayor of Mineola, Martins describes himself as a fiscal reformer. Looking to bring tax relief, he supported a tax cap that limits the rate of property tax increases at 2 percent per year. 

Newsday is reporting that Daniel S. Ross is running on the Democratic ticket. 

16th District NYS Assembly

Michelle Schimel: The Great Neck Democrat is serving her third term in the New York State Assembly representing the 16th District. She was first elected in March 2007, having served as North Hempstead’s town clerk for 8 years. She has co-sponsored legislation on microstamping, which would match bullet casings to a gun. She is a vocal opponent of hydrofracking.

Richard E. Steig: The Port Washington Republican is an attorney who specializes in construction and accident litigation. Patch will report more on his campaign as information becomes available.  

19th District NYS Assembly

Ed Ra: The Franklin Square resident takes over much of the area formally represented by Tom McKevitt due to redistricting, including New Hyde Park, Garden City Park, Mineola, Williston Park. He has served as deputy town attorney for the Town of Hempstead and as legal aide in the Office of the New York State Attorney General. Patch will report more on his and the Democratic opposition campaign as information becomes available.


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