By MIKE RUSSO
Browne, a longtime resident of Rockville Centre, lost the Nassau County Conservative Party endorsement to Scannell earlier this year, and because neither candidate is a member of the party, only the endorsee may represent the party in November. Local conservatives petitioned for Browne to be able to run as a write-in candidate in a primary to be held Sept. 15.
Browne said the petition has 92 signatures, more than enough to force a primary. He added that his camp was confirming that all the names were legal and correct, and intended to make an official announcement on Wednesday.
"I'm pleased that so many registered conservatives were willing to support my call for a primary," Browne said. "I think it shows that the grass-roots conservatives welcome the chance to choose their nominee. I intend to campaign aggressively to win the conservative nomination. I consider myself a conservative Republican, and I think my ideals are much more in keeping with the party than are Joe Scannell's."
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