Boyle Seen as Early Favorite to Replace Johnson

Following last week’s announcement that New York State Senator Owen Johnson would at the end of his current term, local Republican leaders now must choose his replacement for this November’s election, which is expected by week’s end.

According to published reports, the early favorite in the race to succeed Johnson (R-Babylon) on the ballot this Fall appears to be current of East Islip.

Since Johnson’s decision to step down was made public this past Friday, Newsday reported Boyle has received support from Ed Walsh, chairman of the Suffolk County Conservative Party, and Frank MacKay, chairman of the County and State Independence Party.

The two minor party lines are often the difference in winning and losing an election.

Frank Tantone, chairman of the Islip Republican Party, was not immediately available for comment on Boyle or any other candidate that could possibly replace Johnson as the GOP candidate in November.

One of those mentioned as a possible successor to Johnson has been Islip Councilwoman Trish Bergin Weichbrodt. But on her Facebook page this past the weekend she said she wouldn't be seeking the State Senate seat, and instead supporting her “dear friend Phil Boyle” for the position.

Whomever Republicans select to replace Johnson, that candidate will face Suffolk County Legislator Ricardo Montano, who to be the Democratic candidate in the Fourth Senate District.