Democratic and Republican party leaders in Suffolk are considering a cross-endorsement deal this November for district attorney and sheriff.

Under the scenario, the Democrats would endorse the Republican candidate for sheriff. In exchange, the Republicans would endorse the Democratic candidate for district attorney.

If a deal is made, it could leave just one candidate running unopposed in each of the two biggest races in Suffolk this year.
   
"These are administrative positions, they don't set policy," says Suffolk Democratic Chairman Richard Schaffer. "We want to elect the most competent, able people who can carry out the responsibilities of DA in terms of prosecuting people, as well as someone who's going to run a good operation at the jail and keep costs down."

Suffolk Republican Chairman John Jay LaValle didn't want to be interviewed for this story, but did tell News 12 that when one GOP official raised the issue of cross-endorsements, he indicated that it was "not in my plans." 

Party leaders could also face backlash from civic groups and voters who think cross-endorsements are unfair.

President Donald Trump may also be a factor in how all of this shakes out for Suffolk voters. With Democrats rallying against the Trump presidency, many party insiders think any kind of deal between Democrats and Republicans right now is highly unlikely.