I recently suffered the tragic personal loss of my husband, Norman Levy and as you may know Norman represented the 8th Senatorial District in the New York State Senate for more than 27 years. As you can imagine, Norman's passing has created a devastating void in my life. Yet I know from the overwhelming, continued outpouring of love and concern, that thousands of people share my grief and are missing Norman too. Norman has been called "a hero", "the best in public service," "a humanitarian" and "a tenacious fighter for Long Island." Norman would have been embarrassed by this praise, but I am so very proud of him and the wonderful legacy he left behind.

I believe it is important that Norman's legacy and all his accomplishments in the 8th Senatorial District and for all New Yorkers are carried on for generations to come.

I believe we are so fortunate that the Republican party has selected exactly the kind of man Norman would have chosen to continue his work ¬ Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.

I know Chuck is a devoted husband and father of two small children. Like Norman, he has a reputation for putting family and people first. And Chuck has pledged to continue Norman's successful efforts to protect women, senior citizens and hard-working families. Chuck also understands that we need to continue the fight for further tax cuts, additional breast cancer funding, improved health care and better schools for our children.

Chuck has proven to be a caring and conscientious person -- someone I believe Norman would be proud to have as his successor.

Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. has my vote at the special election on Tuesday, March 24. I respectfully urge your readers to support him as well to help ensure that the wonderful legacy Norman left behind is carried on.