State Senate Republicans called on both Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto to step down following their arrests on federal corruption charges.

The officials made their statements in front of the county offices in Mineola.

"It is imperative that government continues undistracted by anything that may be out there," said state Sen. Jack Martins.

State Sen. Carl Marcellino agreed, saying that the two officials should "step aside."

Mangano was charged with extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice, according to a 13-count indictment unsealed by federal officials. Mangano, along with Venditto and his wife Linda, were arraigned and released on $500,000 bond each.

Under state law, Mangano will automatically lose his position if he's convicted. After his arraignment, he made it clear that he would fight the charges and stay on the job.

The Republicans who control the County Legislature released a statement saying, "We are alarmed by the allegations, but must allow the legal process to play out. In the meantime, it is our mission to ensure that the operations of county government are unaffected and that we continue to provide the services our residents expect and deserve."

Legislative Democrats stopped short of demanding Mangano's resignation, but renewed their call for the creation of an independent inspector general position to oversee the way in which the county doles out lucrative contracts.

"I think the most important thing is that we get partners in government...that are willing to work with us to ensure that this never happens again," said Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams.

If Mangano is ultimately convicted and stripped of his position, or decides to resign, then under the county charter, the chief deputy county executive would take his place until the Legislature could appoint a replacement.

The replacement would be Rob Walker, who testified against former state Sen. Dean Skelos in his corruption case and reportedly received immunity from prosecution in that case for doing so.

By some estimates, Nassau County may be facing a budget deficit of more than $200 million by next year. The Town of Oyster Bay's credit rating was recently downgraded to junk bond status. The state control board that oversees the county's finances says it's monitoring these latest developments.