GOP's Suffolk exec candidate denies any deal
Jim O'Connor states firmly there's no judge deal behind his candidacy for Suffolk executive. Credit: James Escher
Republican candidate for Suffolk county executive Jim O'Connor denied there is any political deal behind his bid to unseat Steve Bellone.
"I haven't been promised anything. More importantly, I haven't asked for anything," said O'Connor, 52, of Great River, when asked if he was interested in a seat on the bench. "I'm not looking for a judgeship. I wouldn't take it if offered."
He made the comments at a media meet-and-greet on Thursday. He also added, "That's how I feel at 52 years old. I can't tell how I'll feel when I'm 62."
O'Connor is a partner at a Manhattan law firm, Maroney O'Connor LLP, which has nine associates. His wife, Dr. Maureen Corry, is a cardiologist in West Islip.
O'Connor, a former North Hempstead Town Board member, was the surprise pick of Republicans after the party struggled to find a challenger.
With less than two months left to Election Day, O'Connor has ramped up his campaign, holding news conferences criticizing Bellone's handling of Suffolk policing and calling for further investigation of a former county information-technology director who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges. O'Connor plans to hold another news conference this week on Suffolk's budget.
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