Suffolk political races spotted with legal challenges

Several legal battles are underway over the ballot eligibility of Suffolk candidates.

County Republicans have gone to court claiming freshman Democratic Assemb. Edward Hennessey does not live in the 3rd District but still resides in East Moriches. Senate Democrats, backing Adrienne Esposito in the 3rd Senate District, are challenging petitions for primary rival Joseph Fritz, while Fritz claims Esposito isn't authorized to run as a Democrat. Assemb. Philip Ramos (D-Brentwood) challenged petitions from primary opponent Giovanni Mata; GOP nominee Victoria Speyer challenged Ramos' Independence Party petitions. Challenges are pending for Huntington district court judgeships and Conservative committee spots. -- Rick Brand