Indy Party Goes for Calone
The Suffolk County Independence Party has endorsed Dave Calone, a businessman and former chairman of the Suffolk County Planning Commission, in his bid to represent New York’s First Congressional District. Mr. Calone will face Anna Throne-Holst, the former Southampton Town supervisor, in a Democratic primary on June 28. The winner will face Representative Lee Zeldin, a Republican who is seeking a second term.
“Dave Calone has a proven record as a prosecutor, as a businessman, and as chairman of the Suffolk County Planning Commission,” Frank MacKay, chairman of the Suffolk and New York State Independence Party, said in a statement. “The dysfunction in Congress has grown to alarming levels, which is why we need someone with Dave Calone’s broad real-world experience. His background makes him the best candidate in this race to fight to create jobs, protect our environment, and deliver the results that Long Island families need.”
The Independence Party estimated that its endorsement would result in a 4-percent vote advantage for Mr. Calone in a matchup against Mr. Zeldin.
Mr. Calone previously received the endorsement of East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell and Peter Van Scoyoc, Sylvia Overby, and Kathee Burke-Gonzalez of the East Hampton Town Board, as well as of Southampton Town Councilman John Bouvier, State Assemblyman Steve Englebright, and Suffolk County Legislators Bridget Fleming, Al Krupski, Rob Calarco, and Sarah Anker.
Elected officials including New York’s Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Representative Steny Hoyer, the Democratic whip, and Representative Steve Israel of the Third Congressional District are among those endorsing Ms. Throne-Holst, along with Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, Shelter Island Town Supervisor Jim Dougherty, State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., and County Legislator Bill Lindsay.