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Walter’s name in mix for possible Legislature run

Suffolk County Legislature, Sean Walter, Ed Romaine
BARBARAELLEN KOCH FILE PHOTO | Sean Walter at a Town Board meeting earlier this year.

Riverhead Supervisor Sean Walter admitted Friday that his is one of several names being thrown around as the Suffolk GOP seeks candidates for the legislative seat being vacated by Republican Ed Romaine.

While Mr. Walter stopped well short of saying he would be interested in the position, he did say his party will need a strong candidate if it’s going to retain the seat — as longtime Southold Councilman Al Krupski, who is popular in the town, has emerged as the likely Democratic nominee.

“Al Krupski is going to be a formidable candidate and Republicans have to realize that,” he said. “And if the Republicans want to win that seat, they’re going to have to find somebody to carry Riverhead.

Al Krupski, Sean Walter, Riverhead, Southold, Suffolk County Legislature
TIM KELLY PHOTO | Al Krupski announcing his legislative candidacy Tuesday night.

“To me, it’s got to be an elected official from Riverhead because I think in the end, as a Repbulican, you don’t want to throw in the towel. If you can’t carry Riverhead, you can’t carry out a win.

“That’s why all these names are being thrown around.”

Asked if he would want to serve the county’s First Legislative District, Mr. Walter said only that he’s focused now on running Riverhead Town.

“I have not been formally asked to do it, so I’m focusing on what I’m doing in the town and that’s it,” he said.

Mr. Romaine is now the supervisor-elect for Brookhaven Town and will step down soon from the Suffolk County Legislature.

A special election — which offers no primary opportunities — to fill the remaining year on Mr. Romaine’s term will likely be held in February.

Mr. Walter is serving his second two-year term as Riverhead supervisor.

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