Incumbent Democrat Carolyn McCarthy prevailed once again, besting Republican challenger Martin Blessinger by a vote of 98,011 to 53,277.

McCarthy plans to continue her fight for gun safety legislation and vows to push for the Assault Weapons Ban. She also intends on introducing legislation that will address school safety and be incorporated in the No Child Left Behind Act when it comes up for renewal next year. McCarthy feels that education has been and will continue to be a major focus so that children will get the education they need to be competitive in a global economy. Her focus in the first 100 days will be to help the middle class by readjusting the budget to fund education and the healthcare system.

Incumbent Republican Senator Kemp Hannon proved victorious in this year's race against Democrat challenger Casilda Roper Simpson. He held on to his seat by a vote of 40,042 to 28,661.

First elected to the Senate in 1989, Senator Hannon says he is committed to improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers. He'll continue to fight for tax relief on many levels; his tax relief programs include a new child tax credit for parents of school-age children, the elimination of New York State's marriage penalty tax and the state tax on clothing and shoes under $110. This year, he sponsored a cap on the New York State gas tax, ensured the college tuition tax deduction was available to everyone regardless of income and used budget surplus to provide tax rebate checks directly to homeowners. He also fought to keep the enhanced STAR cost-of-living adjustments in place and established the first Empire Zone in Nassau County, providing tax breaks to businesses in the area and helping bolster the local economy. He said he constantly reviews tax laws to see where changes benefiting the taxpayer can be made.

Incumbent Republican Senator Michael Balboni claimed victory in this year's race against Democrat challenger Joseph Hand by a vote of 42,198 to 30,768.

According to Senator Balboni, who was first elected to the Senate back in 1997, he and his colleagues, during this past year, increased the DNA database to help prosecute more criminals and protect victims; expanded Megan's Law to include lifetime registration for the most dangerous sex offenders and eliminated the statute of limitations for rape victims to give victims more time to come forward and seek legal recourse.

In the area of Homeland Security, in which he is so active, he said he delivered $5 million to improve emergency shelters on Long Island; secured $25 million for a new Homeland Security Center on Long Island that will not only protect residents but create local jobs; secured $2 million for the North Shore University Health Systems for their Women's Center of Excellence and sponsored a law to provide $10 million to secure funds to combat terrorism at the Port of New York.

Incumbent Republican Thomas McKevitt bested Democratic challenger Dolores Sedacca by a vote of 18,388 to 15,998.

Assemblyman McKevitt vows to continue the fight against soaring property taxes and crime. The 34-year East Meadow resident also intends to push for increased education funding, ensuring Long Island receives its fair share of monies and that those funds directly benefit local classrooms.

"I have the ability to work with both sides of the aisle in Albany," he said. "I know the people and the process to be able to continue to be an effective legislator."

He intends on urging the enactment of civil confinement for sexual predators as well as tougher sentences for those who commit sex crimes against children. The assemblyman's first goal, however, is to provide much-needed property tax relief, the biggest issue he believes is plaguing his district. "Overwhelmingly, my constituents are suffering from burdensome property taxes. They are all asking me to help solve this problem," he said.