The numbers are staggering: In Suffolk County, as of August, there were 8,055 homes in foreclosure or at risk of foreclosure. Of these, 5,088 were 30 days past due to lenders. Statewide, up to 150,000 homes could be lost to foreclosure.

In Caesar Trunzo's fief, the Third Senatorial District, the numbers indicate real and growing pain. Brentwood has 526 loans in foreclosure and Central Islip has 433 loans in foreclosure. Yes, that's almost a thousand homes in just two towns. Now, think about what that means: that's a thousand families - more, no doubt, because the district is larger than just these two municipalities - on the verge of eviction; several thousand more of their neighbors whose home values are going to be negatively impacted by empty properties next door or down the street (the Empire Justice Center estimates value lost to neighboring houses at $18,000); declining property tax revenues to local authorities just as the demands on them rise; in short, a witches brew of negative effects on entire communities.

In that context, it's fair to ask why Caesar Trunzo and Senate republicans voted against a one year foreclosure moratorium that easily passed the Assembly. Trunzo's vote is especially unforgivable among his peers, and here's why: his district is the hardest-hit Senatorial district in the state. There are other areas being devastated by the foreclosure crisis - Queens, Kings, Nassau, Monroe, Erie, to name a few - but in Suffolk, the pain is greatest.

And Caesar Trunzo walked away from providing relief. Think it's time for a change?

On the web: Brian Foley for Senate  read more »

Your intrepid bloggers made the trip out to Suffolk yesterday to get a feel of one of our top campaigns yesterday, the contest between Democrat Brian Foley and withered eternal incumbent Caesar Trunzo.

On arrival, more movement than district voters have seen from Trunzo in at least a decade.

The Brookhaven Democratic Committee storefront office.

If you can measure excitement for a campaign by the number of volunteers who show up on one of the last nice Saturdays of the year to go door to door, then this one is through the roof. Very impressive.

Suburban streetscape.

Foley speaking to volunteers.

Going door to door.

 read more »

Breaking via Albany Project: Jimmy Dahroug just filed a stipulation in a courthouse in Suffolk to have his name removed from the September primary ballot in the Third Senatorial District.

I've been quite open about my disenchantment with Jimmy's campaign, but I'd also like to note that he's a smart guy with a compelling story who could very well play a role going forward. It's in everyone's interest to groom young talents, and that's exactly what Jimmy is; so I'm looking forward to seeing what his next steps are.

The Google, it is a miraculous thing, letting you find many things you night otherwise have not found.

For example, if you Google Caesar Trunzo, New York, you get this result:

That's his campaign headquarters or district office, if I'm not mistaken. The presence of the web link next to the address bar indicates the latter.

But if you Google Caesar Trunzo, Florida, you get something else entirely.

So apparently, there are two Caesar Trunzos who maintain residences in Florida, or one Caesar Trunzo who maintains two, while the New York Caesar Trunzo only has a campaign or government office.

That's rather odd, considering that the New York Caesar Trunzo represents a Senate district here.

Ivan Young, Dem Chair in Islip, Suffolk County, emails over short, sweet and above all, on the record:

I am confirming that Mr. Bodkin will not be entering the race for the State Senate in the 3rd SD this year.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

There is no corresponding announcement from Chris Bodkin, republican-turned-Democrat and rumored to be a candidate in the Democratic primary to take on Caesar Trunzo.

Alrighty then. The Democratic candidate to take on Caesar Trunzo is Jimmy Dahroug. The lack of a primary, of course, means that the general election between Trunzo and Dahroug begins, like, now. This will be a closely watched campaign, and can of right be considered a top-tier race for control of the State Senate.