Local pols react to Levy's decision

Reaction from the political community on Steve Levy not seeking a third term:

"The whole political world has changed. I'm surprised. I'm absolutely surprised, like probably the whole rest of Suffolk County. We're trying to absorb it all." -- Suffolk Legislature Presiding Officer William Lindsay (D-Holbrook)

"I'm stunned and speechless; I think it will take a little time to process this . . . This just drastically changes the entire political year. This is probably one of the most significant political things to happen in the county in a very long time." -- Richard Schaffer, Suffolk Democratic chairman.

"I'm as surprised as anybody else. The county has worked very hard to maintain fiscal stability in the county. I certainly don't know all the circumstances associated with his deciding not to run. I wish him and his family well. And I'm just very, very surprised." -- State Sen. John Flanagan (R-East Northport), Senate education committee chairman.

 "This is a complete vindication for me and Bill Lindsay and others that have been beaten up by Steve Levy for months. We had our motives questioned and there were accusations that we were unfairly besmirching him and his reputation." - Suffolk Legis. Jon Cooper (D-Lloyd Harbor), majority leader of Suffolk Legislature.

 "Talk about hoisted by your own petard. It's karma, baby! . . . I think this is a wonderful day for Suffolk County. I'm hoping that Steve Bellone is successful and he will be a good leader. Goodbye, Steve."" - Suffolk Legis. Vivian Viloria-Fisher (D-East Setauket)

 "I'm surprised and shocked. I respect Mr. Levy's decision. He's always been a man to accept full responsibility for his decisions and I wish him well in the future." -- Suffolk Legis. Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches)

 "This closes the door on the one who would have most likely been Andrew Cuomo's next opponent." -- Frank MacKay, chairman of the State and Suffolk Independence Party.

"Machiavellian characters with miserly tendencies, they don't just say goodbye. I don't believe that he's just deciding to spend time with his family and move on." -- Suffolk Legis. Jack Eddington (I-Medford)