The political committee funded by Rochester billionaire Thomas Golisano on Saturday released its endorsements for State Assembly.
Many of Long Island’s 21 incumbents received Responsible New York’s nod but not Ginny Fields (D-Oakdale). The committee backed her Republican challenger John Bugler, who failed to oust her in 2004.
There was no endorsement in 10 Assembly races locally, including those of incumbents Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst), Earlene Hooper (D-Hempstead) and Fred Thiele (R-Sag Harbor).
Among the recipients of backing, there were five Democrats and six Republicans. Here’s the full list:
Marc Alessi (D-Manor Park), incumbent
Patricia Eddington (WF/D-Medford), incumbent
Steven Engelbright (D-Setauket), incumbent
John Bulger, Republican, challenger
Michael Fitzpatrick (R-St. James), incumbent
Phil Boyle (R-West Islip), incumbent
Andrew Raia (R-Huntington), incumbent
James Conte (R-Huntington Station), incumbent
Michelle Schimel (D-Great Neck), incumbent
Tom McKevitt (R-East Meadow), incumbent
Harvey Weisenberg (D-Long Beach), incumbent
"Responsible New York is about reforming New York," said committee co-chairman Steven Pigeon. "That means changing the Senate and changing the Assembly. These candidates have the experience and ability to enact the change New Yorkers need."
It wasn’t clear yesterday whether the committee would use some of its $5 million to help elect Assembly candidates in Nassau and Suffolk.
James T. Madore