Suffolk County Exec Stepping Down

Steve Levy has served for two terms as the Suffolk County Executive. He has been the leader of the County Republican party and he had been widely expected to run for and be elected to a third term. He had already raised around $ 4 Million for the upcoming election and there seemed to be nothing or no one who could get in his way.

However, last week that officially changed.

Levy had been marred for nearly 16 months with an investigation into his finances from the District Attorney Thomas Spota. Details of which have remained relatively under wraps, but nevertheless speculation has ensued. This speculation came to ahead on March 31st with official announcements from both Levy and Spota.

A deal has been reached between Levy and Spota that seemed to many much like a "plea bargain."
Levy would be allowed to complete his term and further investigation into his fundraising would cease.

In turn, Levy would then step down at the end of his term and not run for public office in the next election. The $ 4 million in his campaign coffers would also be turned over to the DA.

The reason for allowing him to finish his term has a great deal to do with Levy's strong record and the instability that an investigation and a possible interim County Exec would bring to these already harsh economic times. With his experience and good work over the past two terms it was decided best for all parties and the county as a whole to cut this unconventional deal.

                       (Photo Courtesy of Stevy Levy's County Executive Website)

Republicans have mixed feelings on the matter. Their leader has been exposed as engaging in less than admirable financing, but this does not reflect the actions of the party as a whole. Regardless of the indiscretion, the Republican party does not look to suffer much, if at all from this incident.

What will suffer?

The legacy of County Executive Steve Levy and the $4 million that his supporters had already pledged for the next election season.