Judge rules for Suffolk PBA over Conservative Party

After a string of losses in court, the Suffolk Police Benevolent Association has finally won one. A State Supreme Court justice in Brooklyn tossed the county Conservative Party's latest bid to kick 633 police officers and relatives off its rolls for lack of sympathy with party principles. Last year the party ejected more than 1,300 others over an alleged bid to illegally raid the organization. Officials say Justice Robert Miller threw out the suit on grounds that it didn't name all the individuals, nor was proper notice given of their ouster. Richard Johannesen, a county vice chairman, said the party will appeal. Jeff Frayler, Suffolk PBA president, said: "To me, the Conservative Party should be embracing all new members." - Rick Brand