New judgeship could save seat for Democrat Kahn

The state has created 20 new Family Court judgeships across New York -- and Suffolk Democratic chairman Rich Schaffer hopes at least one new judicial seat in Suffolk might pave the way to save County Court Judge Barbara Kahn.

Republicans and Conservatives are eyeing Brookhaven Town Board member Tim Mazzei and District Court Judge Philip Goglas for county court.

But Schaffer is hoping that the new Family Court judgeship "could open the door" to a cross-endorsement deal involving all three, rather than create a county court battle in which Kahn would be running on only the Democratic line.

In her past races, Kahn has had Conservative Party support.

-- Rick Brand