Levy decision stuns LI politicians

Long Island's top office holders and politicians, both Democrat and Republican, said Thursday that they were deeply shaken by Steve Levy's decision to forgo a campaign for third term as Suffolk County executive.

"The whole political world has changed," said Suffolk legislative Presiding Officer William Lindsay (D-Holbrook). "I'm absolutely surprised, like probably the whole rest of Suffolk County. We're trying to absorb it all."

Suffolk Democratic chairman Richard Schaffer said he was "stunned and speechless."

"This just drastically changes the entire political year," Schaffer said. "This is probably one of the most significant political things to happen in the county in a very long time."

State Sen. John Flanagan (R-East Northport), a potential candidate for the GOP nomination for county executive, said he was "very, very surprised." He credited Levy for working hard to "maintain fiscal stability" in Suffolk.

"I certainly don't know all the circumstances associated with his deciding not to run. I wish him and his family well," Flanagan said.

John Jay LaValle, Suffolk GOP chairman, said Levy's fiscal record was "second to none" and that his decision not to run forces the party "to move in a slightly different direction."

"That he won't be the candidate is unfortunate but we fully expect have a very substantial candidate and grab that mantle and move forward," LaValle said.

Former Suffolk County Executive Patrick Halpin, a Democrat, called the Levy revelations "another sad chapter in Suffolk's history."

Suffolk Legis. Tom Barraga (R-West Islip) said he could not believe Levy could have done "anything inappropriate or dishonest."

"I don't think he would jeopardize his public service by ending it with a cloud over his head," Barraga said. "I think it's a deep personal decision. I think it's a great loss."

"Wow, I would say nothing surprises me in politics anymore," said state and Nassau Democratic chairman Jay Jacobs. "Every time you turn the corner, there's a new surprise. I'd simply say under the circumstances it sounds like he's done the right thing."

With Alfonso Castillo