Republicans are claming victory Wednesday after apparently winning control of the Democratic majority in the Nassau Legislature.

Republican Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa) is poised to take over as presiding officer after Democrats could only manage eight of 19 votes for Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead). Officials say dissident legislators Roger Corbin (D-Westbury) and Lisanne Altmann (D-Great Neck) could not be convinced to prevent a Republican takeover. Abrahams will take over as minority leader and Corbin will be Deputy Presiding Officer.

Democrats are appealing the decision, saying the presiding officer must be elected by a majority vote and Schmitt received only nine votes. A state Supreme Court judge has issued a stay prohibiting all officials elected from exercising powers of office until he reviews the case.

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