Democrat Mejias challenges GOP Sen. Hannon

When Kemp Hannon first was elected to the State Legislature in 1976, Gerry Ford was president and David Mejias was in kindergarten.

Now Mejias, 39, a Farmingdale lawyer who served in the Nassau County Legislature before losing his seat last year in a close election, is trying for a comeback by painting Hannon as part of a dysfunctional Albany establishment for the past 34 years.

"I couldn't sit back and watch Kemp Hannon do nothing about fixing the most dysfunctional state government in America," said Mejias. "All he's done is organize a coup that has paralyzed state government."

Republicans paint their own portrait of Mejias as an overly ambitious politician who will be a vote for the New York City-centric Democratic State Senate majority that they say has done nothing for the suburbs.

"He's a very formidable opponent," said Legis. Joseph Belesi (R-Farmingdale), who narrowly beat Mejias in his second try last year. "But with Kemp Hannon we have one of the brightest state senators we've ever had, who has brought hundred of millions of dollars into the district." Mejias, he added, "looks like a person who just can't stand to stay out of the public eye."

Hannon says he's running because the Senate's Democratic majority has raised taxes and failed to take steps to close the state's gaping $9-billion deficit.

Both sides expect an all-out war with campaigns that could exceed $1 million each. Democrats see the contest as their best chance to pick up a local seat in Nassau and Suffolk.

While Democrats have viewed Hannon (R-Garden City) as vulnerable for years, the lawmaker, 64, widely respected as an expert on health issues, has never lost in 15 terms - first in the Assembly and the last 21 years in the Senate.

But Mejias, who was a lawmaker for part of the district for six years, is the first high-profile contender. "We've never had a proven campaigner with . . . Dave's excellent name recognition," said Jay Jacobs, state and Nassau Democratic boss. "He'll give Hannon the race of his life."

What also spurred Democrats' interest was Hannon's race two years ago where little known Kristen McElroy garnered 48.7 percent. In addition, Republicans, who two years ago held a 7,300 edge in voter enrollment in the 6th Senate District, now trail Democrats 78,278- 75,426 - a nearly 10,000 vote swing - a major change for Mejias, who has had to run in a heavily GOP county legislative district.

Republicans, however, blamed the close call on a heavy Democratic presidential turnout and a backlash against George W. Bush. They add it is now Democrats who are suffering because of Barack Obama's handling of health care, the economy and the Gulf oil spill.

But observers also say the race had an impact on Hannon. "That race was a wake-up call," said veteran Republican lobbyist Desmond Ryan. "Kemp's been rejuvenated . . . and has stepped up to the plate reasserting himself in the district."

Republicans also note that Mejias lost as many races as he has won - failing in his first bid for the county legislature, in a congressional race to Peter King and in last year's race to Belesi.

They also say Mejias has to answer for his past legislative record of backing the home energy tax, annual reassessments, and increasing property taxes and budgets that have left Nassau in a $300-million hole.

Mejias says such claims are overblown, saying he sponsored the repeal of the home heating tax, supported only one 3.9 percent property tax hike and opposed efforts to raise lawmakers' salaries over objection of party leaders. "I've had a record of taking on my own party to do what is right and that's what people want," Mejias said.

While not taking Mejias lightly, GOP officials say Mejias' voting record will do him in. "The bloom is off the rose," said Tony Santino, a spokesman for Nassau GOP chairman Joseph Mondello. "Is that the kind of stewardship you want to send to Albany in these difficult times?"