GOP nominates candidates for judgeships

Suffolk Republicans are backing former Brookhaven Town attorney Karen Wilutis for First District Court judge against incumbent Democrat Richard Horwitz, who was appointed to the post earlier this year. Wilutis challenged freshman county Legis. Sarah S. Anker (D-Mount Sinai) last year and lost by only 411 votes.

The GOP also named Conservative Deborah Poulos to oppose Democratic Family Court Judge John Kelly. Poulos lost a 2011 legislative race to Democratic Legis. Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills). The GOP finalized her designation after the Suffolk Bar Association rated her as qualified. -- Rick Brand