Suffolk Dems to cross-endorse GOP county clerk

Suffolk Democrats will cross-endorse Republican County Clerk Judith Pascale's bid for her second term this fall. Richard Schaffer, Democratic county chairman, said GOP Comptroller Joseph Sawicki will be cross-endorsed too, as he was in 2006. Pascale appeared earlier this month at Suffolk Democrats' spring dinner. John Jay LaValle, Suffolk GOP chairman, said his party gave nothing in return but called Schaffer's move "a wise decision" with Pascale a popular incumbent. Schaffer said, "It's an administrative job and she does it well." Also, sources said, Schaffer wants to avoid pouring party resources into a countywide race this fall or energize Pascale supporters who could hurt other Democrats. Pascale was in Aruba in March when her aide, Republican Dan Panico, won a special Brookhaven Town board election.

- Rick Brand