Brookhaven's Walsh weighs options

Unsure of her own party's renomination, Brookhaven Republican town board member Kathy Walsh appeared Thursday before a Democratic Party committee for possible cross-endorsement.

Several Democratic officials remained mum Friday on whether she even appeared, but Walsh, who often sides with Democratic Supervisor Mark Lesko, said she did answer questions from the panel at the party's East Setauket headquarters.

Walsh said party officials did not indicate whether they will endorse her. However, Marc Alessi, the town's new Democratic chairman, has praised Walsh in the past for her political independence. When Walsh was screened by the GOP earlier, she would not promise to refuse Democratic endorsement and balked at backing Cecile Forte, the Republican candidate for supervisor.

Walsh said she is "keeping my options open" whether to accept Democratic backing if offered. -- Rick Brand