Election 2017

Chuck Schumer backs Curran in county executive race

Senate Democratic leader also denounces GOP tax plan in Rockville Centre

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On Thursday morning, U.S.Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer threw his support behind Laura Curran, the Democratic candidate for Nassau County Executive.

Schumer joined U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Kathleen Rice in supporting the county legislator from Baldwin.

"Laura has the vision and the right experience to end the culture of corruption and give Nassau County the fresh start it deserves,” Schumer said, at a news conference in Curran's home. “She believes what I do: that government, at every level, is meant to serve those who pay for it — the taxpayers. I know when she is county executive, she will chart a new path forward for Nassau County, giving it the fresh start it sorely needs. I look forward to helping Laura win this race and working with her when she is the next county executive."

After receiving the endorsement, Curran said that she was honored to have the support of Schumer, who she called a “champion for Nassau County taxpayers on the issues that affect us the most.”

“His commitment to helping rebuild Long Island after Superstorm Sandy, his fight for our fair share of federal funding and his strong advocacy for our taxpayers are emblematic of the leadership that will inspire me as county executive,” Curran said. “Nassau taxpayers deserve elected officials like Schumer who will stand up for their interests, not just those of the elected and connected. As county executive, I will put an end to the corruption tax we all pay to uphold a broken system. And, working with Schumer, I know we can win this election, end the culture of corruption and finally give Nassau County the fresh start it deserves.”

Curran's opponent, the Republican former mayor of Mineola and State Sen. Jack Martins, also racked up several high-profile endorsements recently, including a number of Nassau County law enforcement unions and former Gov. George Pataki.

Schumer visited Rockville Centre before announcing his endorsement of Curran, joining a number of advocacy groups in denouncing a federal Republican tax proposal that would strip away a number of state and local tax deductions he said many Long Island families rely on.

Schumer called the plan a “gut-punch to Long Island's middle-class families” that would cost them, on average, nearly $20,000.

The general election will be held on Nov. 7.