Jay Jacobs to step down as state Dem chair

ALBANY -- Long Island's Jay Jacobs said Tuesday he will step down as chairman of the state Democratic Party, a move anticipated ever since Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo took office.

Jacobs, who doubles as Nassau County Democratic chairman, has served as party leader since 2009, installed by then-Gov. David A. Paterson. Typically, a governor designates who he wants as leader of his party, but Cuomo asked Jacobs to stay on during his first year in office.

"It was an understanding that a time would come" to step down, Jacobs said in an interview. "He wanted me to stay on during the early part of his term. But I didn't want to wear out my welcome."

The governor praised Jacobs' "great ability and dedication" in a statement.

"His work has helped build support through the party and in communities across the state for many of the results we have achieved," Cuomo said.

Technically, Jacobs' term as leader was to run until September. But he said that "would be a terrible time for a transition" because it would occur during the heat of the presidential race as well as a U.S. Senate contest and state legislative elections.

The party will meet in Albany next week to select a successor. Jacobs, who will retain his Nassau post, declined to speculate on the choice.Jacobs acknowledged the party lost congressional seats and the State Senate in 2010, but noted it swept all the statewide offices easily. "This is just not a job you're meant to stay in," he said. "All state chairmen stay a few years, then move on."