Returns in 7th SD: Martins issues his thanks

In a measured victory declaration, Republican Mineola Mayor Jack Martins, leading according to the machine count in his quest to dislodge Democrat Craig Johnson from his State Senate seat, just issued this statement through spokesman Umberto Mignardi:

"As predicted, this was a tight race but the Board of Elections has established our count as 41,041 putting us 415 votes ahead of the Johnson campaign.

"That means the voices of hardworking people who are fed up with Abany's taxes and its dysfunction are finally being heard. I want to thank all those who came out to vote and who energized our campaign with idealism and volunteerism.

"To them I promise to be Albany's squeaky wheel,  demanding reform of our onerous tax system, repeal of the MTA payroll tax and an end to Albany's dysfunction."