Suffolk County Democrats clash over alleged secret deals with Republicans

Within the Suffolk County Democratic Party, a faction alleges that chairman Rich Schaffer has been orchestrating behind-the-scenes arrangements with Republican candidates, effectively sabotaging Democratic runs. Critics cite instances where Schaffer allegedly convinced Jonathan Estreich to abandon a state Senate bid for a comptroller race, then urged him to accept a Conservative Party judgeship, and pressured Anthony Portesy to quit a clerk campaign.

They also point to a recent cross-endorsement that left no Democratic challengers to incumbent District Attorney Ray Tierney and Sheriff Errol Toulon, the latter appearing on the Democratic line. Southold Democratic chair Kathryn Casey Quigley has entered the race to replace Schaffer, with a committee vote slated for September. While the party’s spokesperson Jon Schneider downplays the infighting, analysts note the episode highlights growing friction between the local establishment and the Democratic Socialists of America, which is beginning to organize on Long Island for future elections.