GOP reaches out to law firm with Democratic ties in suit

Democratic Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone filed a lawsuit claiming the Brookhaven zoning board acted out of "political motivation" in regards to the county's nursing home. But the GOP-controlled town has hired a law firm connected to Democrats to represent it.

Brookhaven hired Twomey, Latham, Shea and Kelly to defend the board's denial of a special permit to allow private buyers to operate the home. One of the firm's partners, Tom Twomey, a former Democratic congressional candidate, is married to former state party chairwoman Judith Hope. Another, Christopher Kelly, was East Hampton Democratic chairman for 19 years. GOP state Sen. Kenneth LaValle is of counsel there.-- Rick Brand