Baldwin incumbents dominate

The anticipated nationwide wave to sweep out incumbents didn’t sweep Baldwin on Election Day as all five occupied seats remained under the control of their current residents. The one vacant position, abdicated by Robert Barra (R) in May amidst health concerns, was in the 14th assembly district, and even that seat went to the more experienced candidate -- Brian Curran, who had served as mayor of Lynbrook since 2007. Curran ran against Valley Stream resident Dermond Thomas and won handily with some 60 percent of the vote.

Elsewhere on election night, U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) trounced Democrat Howard Kudler in the 3rd Congressional District race; Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola) held off Republican challenger Francis X. Becker of Lynbrook in the 4th C.D.; Charles Fuschillo (R-Merrick) defeated Carol Gordon (D-Massapequa) in the 8th Senatorial District; Assemblywoman Earlene Hooper (D-Hempstead) defeated Republican challenger Derek Partee, of Hempstead in the 18th Assembly District and state Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) beat George Sava (D-Woodmere.)

Skelos looked like a wire-to-wire winner in his re-election campaign against political newcomer Sava, and now is poised to become senate Majority Leader.

“What a difference two years makes,” said an energized Skelos. “Right here on Long Island … the nine Long Island Republicans are back.”

Contrastingly, Democrat Carolyn McCarthy’s election night headquarters in Minneola remained tense and reserved as stressed supporters watched results to trickle in.

McCarthy’s race against Becker remained close for most of the night, and although she would prevail, Republican gains nationally dampened enthusiasm. “There’s going to have to be compromise now,” McCarthy said of the republicans retaking the House of Representatives. McCarthy added that she hoped the redistribution of power would spark greater cooperation across the aisle.

Comments about this story? CConnolly@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 238