Sorting Out the Candidates
The political process is at work and some candidates are rising to the top.  Others still want to be heard and fight on.

In the CD-1

There are three prominent contenders who want to oppose Tim Bishop (D) in November: Randy Alstschuler (already selected by the Suffolk Conservative Party), Christopher Cox (Richard Nixon's grandson and running a close second to Altschuler in some polls) and finally George Demos.  Mike Fitzpatrick has withdrawn from consideration. There is likely to be a primary contest for this nomination.

In the U.S. Senate Race to Oppose Schumer.

Gary Bernsten, the original frontrunner to oppose Bishop  decided to move on to the Senate contest and won a huge victory at the NY State Republican Convention to become the candidate to oppose long entrenched Senator Chuck Schumer.  Bernsten, a former CIA officer and best selling author (Jawbreaker) received strong endorsement from the 9-12 Suffolk County Project, the CSA and other Tea Party organizations.  Jay Townsend may contend in a primary as well.

In the U.S. Senate Race to Oppose Gillibrand

Bruce Blakeman and Joe Dioguardi  will compete in a primary to see who will oppose Sen Kirsten Gillibrand in the November election.  You may recall that Congressman Peter King had originally planned to get into this race and then for whatever reason, opted out.

In the CD-2

Steve Israel has held on to the CD-2 Congressional seat since Rick Lazio gave it up to run for the Senate against Hillary Clinton.  John Gomez, friend of Sean Hannity, appears to be the leading candidate especially with conservative Steve Labate dropping out of the race.

In the Race for Governor

Rick Lazio (R-Brightwaters) was selected at the convention.  Steve Levy, current County Executive and recently turned Republican, did not get enough votes to force a primary but is thinking of running as an independent.  Upstater Carl Paladino received even less votes but still would like to get on a primary ballot.

NY State 2nd Senatorial District

Lee Zeldin, who opposed Tim Bishop in 2008, is the Republican nominee to oppose Brian Foley for the NY State Senate seat.  Zeldin is a former U.S. Army officer, having served in Iraq and assists military veterans whenever he can.

Riverhead Library Recovered From Flood

The recent heavy rains flooded many areas of Riverhead and also damaged the lower level of the library including flooring and plaster board in the meeting rooms and art gallery.  A $30,000 grant helped with the repairs and everything seems back to normal.  Many great, new programs are included in the Library's recent bulletin and don't forget the Yellow Barn (for sales of donated books) is open on Monday and Friday from 9 am to 2 pm.