Wantagh-Seaford Election Guide

As we look ahead to November’s elections, Patch sites across Nassau County are here to bring you the information you need about every race in town. Here's our start on the candidates and issues we'll be covering as November draws near. Bookmark this page for updates.

President Barack Obama: Elected in 2008 on a platform of change, this time around the president is going to have to draw from his experience at the country's helm for the past four years. Time will tell if the president visits the East End this election, but if history is any indicator, we're sure to see .

GOP Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney (presumed): While the former Massachusetts governor still needs the nomination at the GOP convention in August, the race between the president and this New England Republican is all but set. Look for Romney to point to taxes and big government to pick up East End votes. , but we expect he'll be back before Election Day.

U.S. Senate: U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., is seeking a six-year term in Washington following her appointment by then Gov. David Paterson on Jan. 23, 2009. Gillibrand replaced Hillary Rodham Clinton when she was appointed Secretary of State by President Obama. Republicans running in a primary for the right to battle Gillibrand this November include U.S. Rep. Bob Turner, R-Forest Hills, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and U.S litigation attorney Wendy E. Long. 

2nd Congressional District: Rep. Peter King, R-Seaford will still Seaford in the congressional redistricting, but only the section of Wantagh north of Jerusalem Avenue. King is seeking his 10th term in the House, where he is chair of the Homeland Security Committee. King's opponent is Vivianne Falcone of West Islip. Little is known about Falcone, who did not immediately return a call from Patch.

4th Congressional District: Nassau County Legis. , R-Lynbrook, and Frank Scaturro, who will vie for the in 4th Congressional District to face incumbent Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-Mineola, this fall. The majority of Wantagh was moved into the 4th Congressional District, specifically the area of Wantagh south of Jerusalem Avenue. The new map eliminates two existing congressional districts in the state, going from 29 to 27 districts. One of the lost seats will be on Long Island, which will now have four representatives instead of five.

12th Assembly District: Assemblyman Joseph Saladino, R-Massapequa, is a lifelong Massapequa resident who has represented the district since 2004. He began his work in government in the Town of Hempstead, eventually moving to his home turf in Town of Oyster Bay as director of operations. While in office, Saladino supported Megan's Law, as well as advocating environmental protection, and lowering taxes.

19th Assembly District: Assemblyman Dave McDonough, R-Merrick, is seeking election to his seventh term. He is the Chairman of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Public Safety. McDonough is the Past President of the Nassau County Council of Chambers of Commerce, original member of the Development Committee for the Merrick Downtown Revitalization and a founding member, and a former Board Member, of the Bellmore-Merrick Community Wellness Council.

6th Senate District: State Sen. Kemp Hannon, R-Garden City. He has served as chairman of the prestigious Senate committees on Health and Housing, and he is regarded as the spearheading force behind both the reauthorization of the Health Care Reform Act and the development of New York's Assisted Living Program. Additionally, he helped the state enact several popular health programs including Child Health Plus, Healthy New York, Family Health Plus, the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Program, early intervention efforts, and insurance coverage for autism, prostate and breast cancer screenings.

8th Senate District: State Sen. Charles Fuschillo, Jr., R-Merrick is expected to be be running for his eighth term in the State Senate. He chairs the Senate Transportation committees and sponsored several anti-drunk driving laws including Leandra's Law. He also authored New York State's telemarketer Do Not Call Registry law and helped expand the Bioscience Center at Farmingdale State University. His challenger is presumed to once again be Carol Gordon, D-Massapequa, who hasfor Fuschillo's seat. Gordon is a former mental health clinic manager and patient advocate at the Department of Veteran Affairs.

(Henry Powderly contributed to this report.)