Power struggle continues in Nassau Legislature as reps vote on officials

Republicans are claming victory Wednesday after apparently winning control of the Democratic majority in the Nassau Legislature. Republican Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa) is poised to take over as presiding

News 12 Staff

Jan 26, 2006, 12:22 AM

Updated 6,909 days ago

Share:

Republicans are claming victory Wednesday after apparently winning control of the Democratic majority in the Nassau Legislature.
Republican Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa) is poised to take over as presiding officer after Democrats could only manage eight of 19 votes for Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead). Officials say dissident legislators Roger Corbin (D-Westbury) and Lisanne Altmann (D-Great Neck) could not be convinced to prevent a Republican takeover. Abrahams will take over as minority leader and Corbin will be Deputy Presiding Officer.
Democrats are appealing the decision, saying the presiding officer must be elected by a majority vote and Schmitt received only nine votes. A state Supreme Court judge has issued a stay prohibiting all officials elected from exercising powers of office until he reviews the case.
Related Stories: Judge rules in favor of Democrats in Nassau political power struggle Nassau leadership battle put on hold until next week Long Island Democrats vote out highest-ranking official Last-minute twist in power play for presiding officer in Nassau Legislature Power play could knock Nassau County presiding officer out of her post