Islip Democrats eyeingHispanic candidate

Islip Town Board member John Edwards' move to forgo a re-election run gives Supervisor Phil Nolan a chance to put an African-American or Latino on the Democratic ticket.

Party sources say Renee Ortiz, the Suffolk Legislature's deputy clerk, will be nominated later this month. Ortiz, 38, of Central Islip, is a former aide to Legis. Ricardo Montano.

Much of the Democrats' enrollment edge comes from the 30 percent of town residents identifying themselves as Hispanic. "It's a home run for us," said Nolan, hailing Ortiz's qualifications and community ties. Two years ago, critics waged a primary against the town ticket because it had no minorities. -- Rick Brand