With a special election coming up to replace Michael Balboni in the state Senate, the results could mean gridlock for the Nassau County Legislature.

If Legislator Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington) defeats Nassau County Clerk Maureen O'Connell on February 6, Democrats would lose their 10-9 majority in the Legislature. One year after eight Republicans and two Democrats joined forces and attempted to overthrow Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), a Johnson victory could jeopardize her position.

Nassau Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs, no relation to the presiding officer, says county parties would pick candidates to fill a legislative vacancy between 30 and 90 days. An election would be scheduled shortly thereafter. Were O'Connell to win, County Executive Tom Suozzi would nominate her replacement, subject to the Legislature's approval. Balboni's seat opened up after Governor Eliot Spitzer appointed him to be New York's homeland security chief.