Assemb. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach) and Christopher McGrath of Hewlett...

Assemb. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach) and Christopher McGrath of Hewlett are running to fill the seat of former state Senate leader Dean Skelos. Credit: Newsday File

Democrat Todd Kaminsky had an apparently insurmountable lead over Republican Christopher McGrath as the Nassau Board of Elections ended the second day of its count of paper ballots from last week’s special election to fill the seat of former state Sen. Dean Skelos, Nassau’s Democratic elections commissioner said.

With 811 of the of the nearly 3,200 absentee, affidavit and emergency ballots left to be counted, Kaminsky on Thursday had a 952-vote lead over McGrath, said Commissioner David Gugerty.

The campaigns also have raised 61 objections to individual ballots — largely concerning the postmark date of absentee ballots — leaving a total of 872 ballots left in play. Gugerty said he expects the board to complete its count Friday.

If the final count is in Kaminsky’s favor, McGrath’s options include demanding a recount or challenging the ballots in court.

John Ryan, counsel for Republican Elections Commissioner Louis Savinetti, did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.

Kaminsky, a state assemblyman from Long Beach, declared victory after the April 19 special election. McGrath, an attorney from Hewlett, has not conceded.

The outcome of the race could be crucial to control of the Senate. Republicans hold 31 of 63 Senate seats and control the chamber due to a governing coalition with six breakaway Democrats.

Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) was convicted with his son, Adam, in December on eight federal counts of bribery, extortion and conspiracy. They are appealing.

From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker; Newsday / A.J. Singh

Put a little love in your heart with the NewsdayTV Valentine's Day Special! From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year.

From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker; Newsday / A.J. Singh

Put a little love in your heart with the NewsdayTV Valentine's Day Special! From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year.

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