As we look ahead to November’s elections, Patch sites across the East End of Long Island are here to bring you the information you need about every race in town. Here's our start on the candidates and issues we'll be covering as November draws near. Bookmark this page for updates.
President Barack Obama: Elected in 2008 on a platform of change, this time around the president is going to have to draw from his experience at the country's helm for the past four years. Time will tell if the president visits the East End this election, but if history is any indicator, we're sure to see .
GOP Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney (presumed): While the former Massachusetts governor still needs the nomination at the GOP convention in August, the race between the president and this New England Republican is all but set. Look for Romney to point to taxes and big government to pick up East End votes. , but we expect he'll be back before Election Day.
U.S. Rep. Tim Bishop: The five-term Congressman and native of Southampton narrowly escaped losing in 2010, and this year he's facing the same opponent in Randy Altschuler. Bishop has a long history of bringing cash back to the East End, but hasn't created enough jobs, according to his opponent. .
Randy Altschuler: This St. James businessman came so close in 2008 — less than 600 votes — that he's trying for a second time to unseat Bishop. Much like last time, Altschuler is touting his business acumen as an entrepreneur as proof he can create jobs. But Bishop has pegged him an outsourcer, just like last election. .
State Senator Kenneth LaValle: The Port Jefferson politician has held his seat since 1976, which gives LaValle a long, long list of projects and bills to tout as he faces re-election.
Southampton Town Councilwoman Bridget Fleming: This Noyac Democrat hopes to use LaValle's tenure against him, .
Jennifer Maertz: Though this Rocky Point lawyer and Democrat , Maertz is hoping will help her score extra votes this time around.
State Assemblyman Fred Thiele: This former Southampton town supervisor, town attorney and former Suffolk County legislator has been in the state Assembly since 1995. In 2009, citing the party's stance on same-sex marriage, he left the Republicans for the Independence Party. While he lost the GOP line after the move, the Democrats embraced him during the 2010 election and are expected to follow suit in 2012. So far, only a Hampton Bays businessman the assemblyman.
