Suffolk Republican boss to seek third term

John Jay LaValle has informed town leaders he'll seek a third two-year term as Suffolk's Republican chairman later this month. But Islip GOP chairman Frank Tantone said he's considering a bid of his own.

"I've gotten a ton of calls" from party activists, Tantone said. "If there's a groundswell, out of respect, I feel I owe it to them to consider it." He said he has yet to solicit other leaders' support.

One party leader, who declined to be identified, said LaValle has backing from eight of 10 towns. Another said Tantone was noncommittal in a meeting. LaValle didn't return calls for comment. Tantone said he'd consider whether his candidacy would split the party, adding: "We don't need a big war right now."-- Rick Brand