Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos pledged his support to former New York City Mayor Ed Koch last year for nonpartisan redistricting, but at a Crain's business breakfast Thursday in Manhattan, Skelos said it might not be possible under the state constitution. A redistricting commission's findings would have to be voted on by the Legislature and signed by the governor, a partisan process, he said. He suggested passing a constitutional amendment, a lengthy affair that allows the GOP to redraw Senate districts this year. Asked why he couldn't tell Republicans to vote for commission findings this year, Skelos said to scattered chuckles: "My style is . . . I may make suggestions, but I don't tell them how to vote." - Michael Amon

Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

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