Following election rout, Senate GOP to vote Friday on leadership

 After a “drubbing” on Election Day, State Senate Republicans will decide Friday whether to retain Long Island Sen. John Flanagan as their leader or choose an upstate successor.

 The GOP conference will return to the State Capitol to vote on leadership and hash out its transition to the minority, officials and legislators said Wednesday.

The announcement came one day after a Niagara County lawmaker said Flanagan (R-East Northport) should no longer lead the conference after it lost eight seats, including four on Long Island.

 Sen. Robert Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) said the GOP should choose a leader from upstate after a “drubbing” that saw it go from a 32-31 advantage in the Senate to a 39-24 disadvantage.

 Flanagan said he wants to remain as GOP leader, a post he’s held since 2015. Sen. Cathy Young (R-Olean), who headed the GOP’s Senate campaign committee, is vying to line up support too, numerous sources said, who added it’s possible a third candidate could emerge.

  Flanagan issued a statement Tuesday contending he’s the one candidate who can bridge upstate and downstate interests and denying “rumors” that he wants to run for Suffolk County executive in 2019.