Croci, Esposito vie for 3rd Senate District seat

Suffolk voters will soon choose a new state senator in the 3rd Senate District. Republican Tom Croci and Democrat Adrienne Esposito met for a debate Wednesday at News 12's studio, where the two discussed

News 12 Staff

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Oct 24, 2014, 2:25 AM

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Updated 3,807 days ago

Suffolk voters will soon choose a new state senator in the 3rd Senate District.

Republican Tom Croci and Democrat Adrienne Esposito met for a debate Wednesday at News 12's studio, where the two discussed a number of issues, including taxes.

Esposito, an environmentalist by trade, tried to convince viewers that Croci will raise taxes if he's sent to Albany.

Croci, the current Islip town supervisor, said he would be a reliable tax cutter if voters elect him. He said he would draw on his experience as a Navy commander and Afghanistan War veteran to do it.

A Newsday/News 12/Sienna College poll taken last month shows Croci with a 27-point lead in the race.

Hofstra political analyst Larry Levy says that means Esposito has to find new ways to connect with voters.

The Senate seat is in Republican hands, but its current holder is Lee Zeldin, who is vacating the post. He's challenging Democrat Tim Bishop in the 1st Congressional District.