Polls Open In Republican Primary For Assembly Seat

NORTH FORK, NY — Voters are heading to the polls Thursday for a high profile GOP primary race in the second Assembly district between incumbent New York State Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo of New Suffolk and challenger Mike Yacubich of Shoreham.

The road to Primary Day was marked by some upset: After filing a lawsuit, Yacubich was back on the ballot as of August, after the state's Appellate Division tossed a ruling by a lower court and the Suffolk Board of Elections; some filed objections saying that his nominating petitions were not valid due to the fact that they stated his name as Mike Yacubich and not his full name Michael B. Yacubich, similar to that of his son, who is also living at his same address, according to Newsday.

Palumbo will run in November on the Conservative and Independence lines, no matter the result of Thursday's primary. Rona Smith, a Democrat challenger from Greenport, will also be on the ballot in November.

Palumbo's Assembly page said his "leadership, determination and compassion have been apparent" during his years in office, with efforts including sponsorship of a tax-cut bill that would save the average Suffolk County resident more than $2,500 annually; passing legislation to save money for first-time homebuyers; leading an effort to reform the Common Core educational curriculum; working to make public corruption laws tougher; and working on quality of life issues — and on making Suffolk County affordable again, he said.

Before serving as assemblyman Palumbo served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and served as Vice President of the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Library Board of Trustees.

On his website, Yacubich, an accountant, financial advisor, small business owner, school board member and fire chief, says he "knows what it takes to get the job done on many different levels. His life experiences have taught him to work with many different people, from all walks of life and he has learned how to get things accomplished."

Poll are open until 9 p.m.

Patch courtesy photos.