POLITICS

19th District needed for GOP supermajority

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The outcome of the race in the Nassau County Legislature's 19th District could prove key to whether the Legislature’s Republican majority is able to secure a supermajority, which is needed to borrow money or override a county executive’s veto.

If Republican Steve Rhoads prevails over Democrat Rita Kestenbaum, and the GOP retains the 12th District seat that Michael Venditto recently vacated after he was elected to the State Senate, Republicans would have 12 votes in the 19-member chamber — one shy of a supermajority. Legislator Ellen Birnbaum, a Great Neck Democrat who was expelled from her party’s caucus but remains in office, might then supply a crucial swing vote.

Democrats’ decision last May to dismiss Birnbaum from their caucus came after a legislative aide reportedly overhead her make derogatory comments about African-Americans and New Cassel, a largely black community. Birnbaum told Newsday that she regretted her “insensitive remarks,” but she rejected calls for her to step down from the Legislature. Last month Birnbaum was the only Democrat to vote to confirm three Republican candidates for judgeships, leaving some political pundits to wonder whether the votes were a harbinger of her future political allegiance.

Birnbaum did not respond to a request for comment.

Cristina Brennan, a spokeswoman for the Legislature’s Republican caucus, said Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves would not comment. GOP spokesman Anthony Santino said that he was “not aware” of any dialogue between Nassau’s Republican leadership and Birnbaum, and that he would not “discuss a hypothetical.”

Nassau County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs, however, envisioned a possible future in which Birnbaum would be accepted back into the Democratic fold. “I’ve had many conversations with her,” he said. “She’s looking to continue to be a part of the Democratic caucus. I think ultimately she’s looking to make amends.

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