Emphasizing strong mutual support with Governor Eliot Spitzer, and quite proud of his ties to Great Neck, Craig Johnson recently told the Great Neck Democratic Club that "the sky's the limit" if he wins Michael Balboni's vacated seat for the state's seventh senatorial district. Endorsed by both the governor and United States Senator Charles Schumer, Mr. Johnson, currently a Nassau County legislator, says he is ready to "bring transparency back into government."

"We need government to be more accountable and responsible," Mr. Johnson told the large Great Neck crowd. "Governor Spitzer needs a partner, someone who did it in Nassau County ... as we did in Nassau County," he continued.

Craig Johnson is running for the state senate seat in a Feb. 6 special election, against Republican contestant Maureen O'Connell, Nassau County clerk.

Mr. Johnson emphasized that the state must "reduce the price of prescription drugs and offset property taxes."

He touched on changes that he said the governor wants to see, changes that he, too, wants to see in New York State. Mr. Johnson spoke of wanting campaign finance reform, as supported by the governor, as well as Governor Spitzer's plans for tax reform and property tax relief. "We need to bring real reform to Albany," the candidate stressed.

When Senator Schumer came to Great Neck to rally in support of Mr. Johnson, Mr. Johnson reports that they discussed reducing the cost of prescription drugs, an issue Mr. Johnson broached again and again during the evening.

Craig Johnson also stated that he will be able to bring to the table the "ability to work across party lines, as Mike Balboni did."

Quite proudly, Mr. Johnson also noted that he is "Great Neck by marriage," as he introduced his wife Liz (Kase), who grew up in Great Neck. Mrs. Johnson spoke briefly, in strong support of her husband, as she also noted that the last time she had been on "this stage, at Great Neck House" was as a fifth grade student appearing in a play. Liz Kase Johnson graduated from Great Neck North High School and became a bat mitzvah at Temple Emanuel of Great Neck. The couple's wedding was officiated over by Temple Emanuel's Rabbi Robert Widom.

At the end of his brief talk, Mr. Johnson noted: "It's all about people, what they want to see - taxes, health care, government."

Following Mr. Johnson's talk, the audience was invited to ask questions. When asked just how he differs from his opponent, Maureen O'Connell, he emphasized "choice." Mr. Johnson said is pro-choice. He stated that Ms. O'Connell does not support a woman's right to choice. He termed this "a woman's Constitutional right." This, he said, is a "fundamental difference" between the two candidates.

And, though he stated again that he supports Governor Spitzer, he also stressed that he is an independent. His opponent, he said, is "a product of the Republican machine."

Mr. Johnson said again that he supports the governor's three-year plan to reduce property taxes, and he believes that they will find even more funds. "I don't know what she stands for," he said of his opponent.

Another question referred to workforce housing and Mr. Johnson emphasized the need for more workforce housing to keep young people. He stated that he would become a sponsor for workforce housing, taking Mr. Balboni's place as a co-sponsor with State Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli.

When asked about help with autism, Mr. Johnson said that as a father of two little boys he was most interested and would seek more funding for research. He also spoke against gun violence.

When asked how he would appeal to both Democrats and Republicans, Mr. Johnson termed himself both a "centrist" and "fiscally conservative." He noted that he had worked on Nassau County's first bill addressing identity theft, as well as the first bill passed into law regarding fraudulent loans.

Also during this give-and-take with the audience, Mr. Johnson said that he wants senate debates dealing with money that goes out to the senate districts. "We should know where the money goes," he said. And he noted that money is needed for transportation, for trains and parking; the train system, he said, is now based on a 1950's system.

Looking towards the future, and optimistic about being elected, Craig Johnson placed some emphasis on his solid relations with Governor Spitzer, as well as his ability to work well with Assemblyman DiNapoli. "I've worked well with Tom DiNapoli as a Nassau County legislator, especially with the environment," Mr. Johnson said. And he spoke of his "great relationship" with Governor Spitzer. He noted how well Mike Balboni, a Republican, had worked with a Republican governor; now Mr. Johnson, a Democrat, if elected, said he would have the opportunity to work well with a Democratic governor. "I see great changes in the near future," Mr. Johnson told his audience.

As he closed the question and answer session, he stated: "We take back Albany in 2008!"

Along with Senator Schumer and Governor Spitzer, Craig Johnson received some political support at this Democratic Club event. U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman, Nassau County Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs, North Hempstead Town Clerk Michelle Schimel, and North Hempstead Town councilmembers Wayne Wink and Lee Seeman. During the evening, Mr. Johnson noted that Ms. Seeman, a great friend of his late mother Barbara Johnson, has served as a mentor over the years.

Congressman Ackerman stated that Mr. Johnson had "proven himself," and he noted how he had successfully run for a special election 24 years ago. The congressman also noted the importance of this election, as, he explained, the state legislature draws district lines for the federal government.

The special election is on Tuesday, Feb. 6; voting is at regular polling places.

The League of Women Voters of Great Neck and Port Washington-Manhasset had scheduled a Candidates Forum for the candidates on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Shelter Rock Road in Manhasset. At press time, only Mr. Johnson had confirmed that he would attend. Debbie Shichtman, president of the Great Neck League of Women Voters, told the Record that Mr. Johnson responded with a yes, and that Ms. O'Connell had not responded. Ms. Shichtman said that three dates were offered. A spokesperson for Ms. McConnell's campaign manager Rick Teroski, told the Record that Ms. O'Connell would not attend since she has too hectic a schedule.