Attorney Stephen Kiely has dropped his bid for the Republican...

Attorney Stephen Kiely has dropped his bid for the Republican nomination for Southold Town supervisor. Credit: Daniel De Mato

Republican lawyer Stephen Kiely, a former deputy Suffolk County clerk, has folded his primary campaign for Southold Town supervisor to, “avoid fracturing the Republican Party.”

Kiely said he had spoken to 400 households and had significantly more than the 304 petition signatures he needed to qualify for the ballot.

Republican Supervisor Scott Russell already has the Conservative and Independence Party lines, which could have led to a messy three-way contest in November.

Kiely said Southold has appointed him to the unpaid post of counsel to the town’s new agricultural advisory committee. “It will give me a little bit of a voice and a seat at the table,” Kiely said, adding he hopes to have a chance to run in the future.

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore. Credit: Randee Daddona, Michael A. Rupolo Sr.

Out East Show: Visit The Shamrock evergreen maze, Sannino Vineyard, Seven Ponds Orchard and the Warrior Ranch Foundation NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore.

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore. Credit: Randee Daddona, Michael A. Rupolo Sr.

Out East Show: Visit The Shamrock evergreen maze, Sannino Vineyard, Seven Ponds Orchard and the Warrior Ranch Foundation NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore.

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