Democrats name Avrum Rosen to run in 12th Assembly District

Huntington Democrats have named attorney Avrum Rosen to replace Michael Marcantonio as the party’s candidate against veteran Assemb. Andrew Raia in the 12th District.

Rosen, 64, of Centerport, is a party committee member who ran unsuccessfully for the Assembly 30 years ago against the late Republican Assemb. James Conte.

Democrats made the move after judges in both state Supreme Court and the court's Appellate Division ruled that Marcantonio did not meet the five-year residency requirement because he registered to vote and cast ballots in 2012 and 2014 in Durham, North Carolina, while a student at Duke University Law School.

The Appellate Division ruled unanimously, but Marcantonio is requesting permission to take the case to the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals. Marcantonio says residency rules should not apply to students who attend school out of state and vote there.

Democratic Party officials say if Marcantonio, who has raised $107,000 for his campaign, wins, the party will seek to return him to the ballot.