Spin Cycle

Republicans have launched their campaign to win control of the Nassau legislature this fall by mailing postcards printed "NOTICE OF TAX INCREASE" to homeowners in districts of those they perceive as the three most vulnerable Democrats: Legis. Joe Scannell of Baldwin, David Mejias of Farmingdale and Jeff Toback of Oceanside.

The postcards refer to the new 2.5 percent home-heating tax approved by the Democratic majority on a 10-9 party-line vote.

"The deciding vote to create this new tax was cast by your county legislator," the postcard says, giving the appropriate phone number to call.

Sources say phones were ringing off the hook in the lawmakers' offices.

Toback, for one, acknowledged getting 188 calls, a huge response for any issue.

He said he plans to return each call personally to explain that tough times "required us to make some tough decisions" to save programs like Meals on Wheels and youth services.

The county projects the tax will cost the average homeowner $90 a year.

Meanwhile, in those three races, Mejias has raised the most money: Six-month campaign finance reports filed last week showed he raised $75,538 and had $87,610 in the bank, while his likely Republican challenger, Joe Belesi, raised $16,900, with $14,317 left after expenses.

Toback reports $8,897 in his campaign account, while GOP challenger Howard Kopel has reported no activity in his account since he lost to Toback two years ago.

Scannell raised $15,420, with $10,147 in the bank after expenses; his Republican opponent, Christian Browne, raised $10,479 and had $11,334 in his account.

Celeste Hadrick