Curran, Martins rack up new endorsements in county exec race

The Republican and Democratic candidates for Nassau County Executive both earned some high-profile endorsements this week, with New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli backing Laura Curran, a Democratic legislator from Baldwin, and the county’s three police unions throwing their support behind Jack Martins, the Republican state senator and former mayor of Mineola.

DiNapoli, a former state assemblyman from Long Island, said on Monday that Curran would be able to end the “culture of corruption” in Nassau and return the government to the people.

“She has the experience, independence and tenacity to deliver real results, and I know she will always do what’s best for the people she represents,” DiNapoli said. “I am proud to endorse Curran, and look forward to working with her to make Nassau County and New York State the best they can be.”

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Nassau County Police Benevolent Association President James McDermott, Nassau County Detectives Association President John Wighaus and Nassau County Superior Officers Association President Kevin Black — in all, representing more than 6,000 police officers and retirees — announced their support of Martins.

McDermott, Wighaus and Black all cited Martins’s legislative record and strong support for police. “Martins has always been a strong advocate for law enforcement throughout his career in government,” they said in a statement.

Martins and Curran are set to debate on Sunday at Hofstra University’s Monroe Lecture Center at 4 p.m.

The election will be held on Nov. 7.