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| | | Marsha Laufer was nearly all smiles on election night as all Democratic incumbents won re-election. Photo by Tracey Elizabeth (click for larger version) | |
November 19, 2009 | 01:17 PM
"I think we did very well," said Brookhaven Democratic Chairwoman Marsha Laufer following the announcement last week of her resignation from the position she has held for almost eight years. During that time the town Democratic Party has come from "moribund," as Laufer described its state early in the decade, to competitive. The retiring party leader from Old Field quotes registration figures and election facts that support her claims that the party is now neck and neck — or ahead — of the long dominant Brookhaven GOP.
"Registered Democrats are up over 19,000" since she took the reins of the party in early 2002, Laufer said. In contrast, "The Republicans are down 1,300." She said today in Brookhaven registered Democrats are 30 percent of the electorate, the Republicans 35 percent, but, "That's down from [a] two to one" advantage for the GOP to almost even.
Laufer said she and husband Henry have purchased a home on the east coast of Florida, south of Palm Beach, and will be spending winters there and warmer months at their home on the Long Island Sound in Old Field.
Three Village Democratic Club President Barry McCoy said Laufer "has provided tremendous leadership," turning Brookhaven's into "the most dynamic committee in the entire county."
Laufer's resignation is effective Dec. 13. The next day, she said, Suffolk Democratic Chairman Rich Schaffer will convene a meeting of committeemen and women to select a new chair. At this time only one candidate for the position has emerged: Jon Schneider of Port Jefferson Station, aide to Congressman Tim Bishop (D-Southampton).
Schneider is a "terrific fellow with governmental experience, political experience, a vision for leadership," Laufer said. Schneider served briefly in 2008 as former town Supervisor Brian Foley's deputy.
"I am seeking the position," Schneider said last week. He has been making the rounds of local Democratic clubs and speaking with committee members. "Building on the work Marsha started" is how Schneider describes his plans for the party. "Before Marsha it was a one-party town." "A healthy Democratic Party makes for much better government."
Schneider plans to keep his day job with the congressman and sees no conflict in wearing two hats. "When I'm sitting in [Bishop's] office I'm there working for all the people. Partisanship is not how our office has ever worked." Schneider said the congressman is supportive of his aide's intention to head the town party.
Laufer's counterpart on the GOP side, Jesse Garcia, was complimentary — to a point. "I have great respect for her and wish her well." Garcia said. He added, "She has great timing," taking the leadership role with the "winds at her back," favoring the Democrats. "The winds are now favoring the Republican Conservative philosophy" as she leaves, he said.
Laufer disagrees with Garcia's prediction of wind direction. "In my first campaign," she said, "we elected [Highway Superintendent] John Rouse and [Councilman] Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld. In 2005 we elected the top three [townwide] positions" and achieved a majority on the Town Board. After losing that majority in 2007 "by only 265 votes," Laufer pointed to the special election in March of this year when Mark Lesko of East Setauket was elected supervisor to replace Democratic Supervisor Brian Foley, elected in November 2008 to the state Senate. She called Lesko "an extraordinary man." However a majority on the Town Board remains with the Republican-Conservative council members, notwithstanding recent 2010 budget votes cast by Councilwoman Kathy Walsh (R-Centereach) with the Democratic minority.
"I honor her service," said Lesko of Laufer, "an outstanding party chair." The supervisor, who won election to a full two-year term on Nov. 4, credits Laufer — and Suffolk Chairman Rich Schaffer — for his electoral success. They took "a complete unknown, me, and got me elected twice this year." Lesko opined that the retired chairwoman will "devote time to the national election" in the months and years to come. Laufer did not disagree.
"Once the political bug bites," she said Monday, "there is no antidote." Asked if she had an interest in national politics, Laufer responded bluntly, "I do." Laufer added, "I started out for choice," a woman's right to choose, and she "remains a strong advocate."
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