Despite his arrest on assault charges this past summer, political strategists say incumbent Carrie Solages still has the edge over his Republican opponent in the 3rd Legislative District.         

For more than four decades, candidate Paul Sapienza, a Republican, has been making sweet treats at his Italian bakery in Elmont. He says he wants to hold the line on taxes and embrace future growth at Belmont Race Track.

"The infrastructure  [at Belmont]  has been improved with the LIRR upgrading the train station a couple of years ago. So I think we're ready for it," Sapienza told News 12. 

Solages, who championed the reopening of Nassau's 5th Precinct and fought against a casino proposal at Belmont, was arrested and accused of assault and endangering the welfare of a child after an incident with his girlfriend in June. He has denied the charges, and would not speak to News 12 about this story, despite multiple attempts to contact him.

Political strategist Mike Dawidziak says Solages is poised to win on Election Day. 

"The seat is so solidly Democrat, it is almost inconceivable that he would lose the seat even with these charges pending," says Dawidziak. 

Election Day is Nov. 7.