Carpenter joins line of possible GOP rivals for Levy

Suffolk Treasurer Angie Carpenter billed it as a routine fundraising luncheon that she holds every year.

But several who attended the event on Thursday said the two-term Republican incumbent dropped not-so-subtle hints she is eyeing a bid for county executive next year - though she mentioned neither incumbent Steve Levy nor the office by name.

"She did everything but spell out the words county executive," said one party graybeard who attended the event, which drew about 100 at Windows on the Lake in Ronkonkoma. "She said 'We need to have someone head the county who is not so vitriolic and always looking for a fight.' She said her mother always told her, 'You get more bees with honey than with vinegar.' "

"She all but said, 'I'm running,' " said another witness in the crowd, which included Richard LaValle, father of Suffolk GOP chairman John Jay LaValle.

Carpenter is just the latest to join a list of Republicans mentioned as possible rivals to Levy, who faces re-election next year as a freshly minted Republican and could be vulnerable in a GOP primary.

Frank MacKay, state and Suffolk Independence Party chairman, said last week, "The line of people willing to test the waters is a telling departure from what it was four years ago," when the only contender to surface was an unknown, Peter Busacca on the Integrity line.

"I think Suffolk Republicans are thirsting for a real Republican county executive and Angie, with her experience, would make an excellent candidate," said county Comptroller Joseph Sawicki, who added he has "not ruled out" running himself.

Other GOP names that have surfaced include legislators Edward Romaine of Center Moriches and John M. Kennedy Jr. of Nesconset. The name of state Sen. John Flanagan of East Northport was also prominently mentioned until he turned up to introduce Levy at the county executive's fundraiser last month.

Suffolk GOP chairman LaValle downplayed the significance of Carpenter's comments and speculation about Republicans rivals to Levy.

"Let's face it, the guy is doing a great job as county executive," LaValle said. "He may have some personality conflicts with certain legislators and other elected officials, but I'm very excited about 2011. With Steve at the top of the ticket, we'll do very well."

Levy declined to comment. Besides his high-profile post and his ability to command media attention, the combative Levy still has more than $4 million in his campaign coffers, despite his losing bid for governor.

But Carpenter, who won a second four-year term last year with cross-endorsement, has always been a strong vote-getter and has increased her fundraising in recent months with four events, including one at $500 a head in July. She has just $175,000 in her war chest, however.

Bad blood between the two dates back to 2006 when Levy tried to do away with the treasurer's job by merging it with the comptroller's. "There is no question, there have been tensions," LaValle said. "But the reality is as we move ahead, I'm sure they will find common ground and work things out."

Some party insiders suggest Carpenter and others are circulating their names to boost their own fundraising, or leverage for other races. Some, for example, have mentioned Carpenter as a potential GOP contender as Islip supervisor next year.

Richard Schaffer, Suffolk Democratic chairman, said all potential Levy rivals could be formidable and pose a problem if they had momentum coming off a primary win like Levy's in 2003. "My concern," he said, "is any of them could unite the Republican Party, unlike Levy, who's been a Republican all of four minutes."