'I'm not going anywhere,' Democrat in political tussle says

Tensions are evident these days between Nassau Democratic chairman Jay Jacobs and Long Beach Democratic chairman Michael Zapson. Whether the clash will affect any future races remains to be seen.

Jacobs met Dec. 1 with local Democrats in the City by the Sea where, sources say, some criticisms were leveled at Zapson's leadership. There was also a separate face-to-face between the county and local chairs.

Without elaborating, Jacobs said: "I have been meeting down in Long Beach to get a broad sense of what both the Democratic establishment and other activists are feeling. I am looking for an open, reform-minded Democratic Party down there that can build a strong organization dedicated solely to electing Democrats."

Besides his party role, Zapson, a former county legislator and city councilman, is a partner in the law and lobbying firm of Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP. He, too, was unspecific about points brought up in these recent conversations.

"He's the county chairman. He should be everywhere," Zapson said. "We spoke beforehand about the meeting. I didn't have any problem with it. I always meet with him [Jacobs]."

Zapson was asked if he would be stepping down from his party position -- as Jacobs is said by allies to desire. "I have no intention of doing that," Zapson said. "Why would I do that? . . . I'm not going anywhere."

FILING FOR DA: The day after winning a congressional seat in last month's election, Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice made clear she wanted Madeline Singas, her chief assistant, to succeed her as DA pending next November's election.

Now the state Board of Elections has received filings for a "Friends of Madeline Singas" campaign committee, in care of Tucker Green Consulting in Manhattan. Green, known as a top political fundraiser, has helped Rice collect millions for her political races in recent years.

Listed as treasurer for the Singas effort is Dino Moshova of Manhasset, who has been active in local school-governance issues. Lawyer Michael Scotto of Port Washington, a former Manhattan prosecutor, said this month he's also planning to run.

Although he has yet to make his intentions known, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has the option of naming a new acting DA as early as next month or simply allowing Singas, 48, to automatically succeed Rice, which would give her the advantage of seeking election as an incumbent.

By Dan Janison

dan.janison@newsday.comDanJanison

Dan Janison is a member of the Newsday editorial board.