Legis. Palumbo sidesteps Suffolk executive question

Freshman Assemb. Anthony Palumbo, whose name has come up as a potential Republican contender for county executive, is playing coy on whether he’s actively exploring the idea.

Palumbo of New Suffolk said such a candidacy “is something to be considered,” but declined to say whether he is interested in the job or if he has held any discussions with GOP officials about a possible run. He also said his “primary focus” is on his work as a state lawmakers and on issues like Common Core and the state budget.

Some see Palumbo, a former assistant district attorney, as a potential sleeper candidate similar to former GOP County Executive Robert Gaffney, who had a law enforcement background as a former FBI agent but was little known before winning the county’s top job in 1991.

A respectable county executive run might also help Palumbo should he have aspirations to run for district attorney should Tom Spota, a close family friend, ever decide to retire.