David Calone to give up Independence Party line in 1st CD

Democrat David Calone, who still has the Independence Party’s nomination in the First Congressional District, will officially withdraw from the race Monday night to accept the minor party’s nod for state Supreme Court justice.

Calone, a venture capitalist and former chairman of the Suffolk Planning Commission, is giving up the nomination to free up the Independence line so the minor party can make a new endorsement in the congressional race, which has drawn national attention.

Frank MacKay, state and Suffolk Independence Party chairman, said no decision has yet been made on whether to back Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) or Democratic challenger Anna Throne-Holst, a former Southampton Town supervisor and former Independence member.

MacKay said he plans to call in both candidates to meet with party officials and expects a decision by later in the week. The party legally has until next Monday to name a new nominee.