Opposition in name only for Sweeney and Johnson

Republican New York State Senator Owen Johnson and Democratic State Assemblyman Robert Sweeney have run without major party opposition in the past. This year, however, both major parties have nominated candidates to run against them. Now, it seems they might be only names filling a slot on the ballot.

Republican James McDonaugh of Lindenhurst, who was slated to run against Sweeney, announced last week that he is not campaigning. Also choosing not to wage any campaign against her opponent is Democrat Tanya B. Gilliard, who is running against Johnson.

"The circumstances are what they are," said Babylon Town Republican leader Anthony Pancella. "In practical terms, Bob Sweeney and Owen Johnson are fixtures in their positions, and they have delivered for the voters. No one in either organization really wants to get involved to unseat either of them."

"The Democrats and Republicans in Babylon understand that we are voting for a person, not a party," said Democratic Town leader Robert Stricoff. "They are sophisticated and understand the issues. Bob is a wonderful state lawmaker and a great advocate and the same can be said for Sen. Johnson."

Both McDonaugh and Gilliard will have their names on the ballot, but McDonaugh said that even if he is elected, he will not accept the post.

"Unfortunately, for personal reasons relating to the health of an immediate family member, I have suspended my efforts and will not be campaigning," he said in an email to this newspaper in late September.

McDonaugh is from Lindenhurst, where he has a law practice. He is a member of the Lindenhurst Village Planning Board and Knights of Columbus and also has the Conservative line. Sweeney has the Democratic, Independence and Working Families lines.

Don Noes, the newly elected Conservative leader for the Town of Babylon, said he had not heard that McDonaugh was not actively campaigning.

"I am disappointed," he said. "But if it is for reasons beyond his control, I can understand."

Gilliard is from Wyandanch. Information on her background was unavailable and several internet sites covering local elections listed only her name, hometown and placement on the ballot. She declined a personal interview.

Also on the ballot against Johnson, who also has the Independence and Conservative lines, is Working Families candidate John Albano of Lindenhurst. Sen. Owen Johnson, left and Assemblyman Bob Sweeney, right.

"From our perspective, we don't want to divert our limited resources to races we know we cannot win," said Pancella. "It's as simple as that."

While there is no real challenge for these state seats, both major parties are putting time, energy and money into other key races. Republicans see maintaining the majority in the State Senate as vital to the "welfare of Long Island," said Pancella.

"When you consider how hard our lawmakers have had to work to restore funding for Nassau and Suffolk counties every year, it is important that the Senate remains controlled by the Republicans," he said. "If the state becomes totally controlled by Democrats, all the money is going to be diverted to the city, and as a town organization we feel obligated to point that out to voters both within the town and elsewhere on Long Island, and are working to do that."

Stricoff said he believes the Presidential election this year will bode well not only for Barack Obama and his running mate Joe Biden but also for Babylon Town Democrats at all levels. This year, there is a seat open on the Town Board and former Town Councilwoman Carol Quirk, who stepped down from that post and was appointed Town Clerk, is seeking election. She faces opposition from Republican Alice Cohen, a community and civic leader from North Babylon.

Quirk's seat on the Town Board is held by Antonio Martinez, a labor leader who was appointed in late July. He is seeking election and is opposed by Republican Joe Barone of Lindenhurst, a member of the Lindenhurst Village Zoning Board of Appeals.

While Democrats hold the majority on the Town Board, and have won by wide margins, largely due to the popularity of Supervisor Steve Bellone, Stricoff said his party continues to work hard every election.

"More Republicans vote in Babylon than Democrats," he said. "We understand that, and know that the only reason we have won their support in the past is because we continue to provide the town with good programs, improve our parks and decrease the size of town government. We can't take that for granted."

Election day is Tues., Nov. 4. The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters can pick up registration forms and absentee ballots at post offices, government offices and libraries or through the Board of Elections at 631-852-4500.