Steve Labriola mulls another run for office

Steve Labriola may be just coming off a losing race for Nassau County comptroller, but he already is eyeing another run — possibly to take on State Sen. John Brooks or Assemb. Christine Pellegrino, both freshman Democrats.

Labriola, 55, of Massapequa, has served as an assemblyman, Oyster Bay town clerk, and, now, a $150,000-a-year deputy Nassau County clerk.

He has formed a “Labriola 2018” exploratory committee and will hold a $100-a-head fundraiser at La Strada Restaurant in Merrick Feb. 28 for a potential run.

“I feel I have the skill set to protect our suburban values,” said Labriola, who said he is open to other electoral options. “There’s more for me to do before I get out of politics.”

In November, Labriola lost the countywide comptroller’s race by 50.2 to 48.7 percent — a relatively narrow spread during a bad year for Nassau Republicans.

Labriola noted the “perfect storm” of Oyster Bay Town scandals, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano’s indictment on federal corruption charges, infighting among Hempstead Town officials and heavy Democratic turnout for the vote on the proposed state constitutional convention.

Mangano has pleaded not guilty.

Labriola suffered his first loss in 10 campaigns. But backers note that he won in the Nassau parts of Brooks’ and Pellegrino’s legislative districts with about 53 percent of the vote.

Labriola also has previously unseated a Democrat: He beat Democratic Oyster Bay Town Clerk Martha Offerman in 2003.

Joseph Mondello, Nassau GOP chairman, said Labriola would make a strong candidate against Pellegrino.

But Mondello would like to see Labriola run for Brooks’ Senate seat.

“He’s a fine candidate, well known in the Nassau, and would work hard to make himself known in Suffolk,” Mondello said.

Anthony Pancella, Babylon GOP chairman, also praised Labriola as a “great public servant who has plenty of experience.”

The race for Brooks’ 8th District seat is key because Republicans only retain a Senate majority with the help of eight dissident Democrats.

Adding to the uncertain landscape are two special Senate elections in April, while State Sen. Tom Croci (R-Sayville) is uncertain about seeking re-election.

Jay Jacobs, Nassau Democratic chairman, questioned Labriola’s chances.

“I think the electorate in Nassau County is still very sensitive about considering people who have been an integral part of the entire culture of self-dealing and corrupt behavior,” Jacobs said.

Rich Schaffer, Suffolk Democratic chairman, said he sees backlash against President Donald Trump and his tax policies spurring more GOP losses.

Nassau Republican officials say other names have surfaced for the seats, including Jeffrey Pravato, Massapequa Park mayor since 2013.

Suffolk GOP officials say Edward Wiggins, 63, a part-time aide to State Sen. Phil Boyle (R-Bay Shore) who just retired as Babylon’s landfill manager, is interested in running against Pellegrino.

Labriola said he is starting early to gauge grass roots support. Labriola, who lost the comptroller’s race to Democrat Jack Schnirman, also said he does not want to repeat the mistake of allowing an opponent to get a head start on fundraising.

Brooks has $106,290 in his coffers, according to his Jan. 15 campaign finance report, while Pellegrino has $30,605.

Pellegrino, of West Islip, declined to comment on possible opponents. She said she is battling to increase school funding and protect local waters. “I hope voters decide I earn another term fighting for Long Island families,” Pellegrino said.

Brooks, of Seaford, who won a major upset over incumbent Republican Michael Venditto two years ago, said he thinks he can win again.

“I’m not a professional politician,” Brooks said. “I’m just a regular guy who got an opportunity to serve and help people . . . and I think we’ve reached out to a lot of communities ignored in the past.”