Kopel Wins Another Term, Defeats Daniels

Legislator Howard Kopel on Tuesday fought off an aggressive challenge from Democrat Lisa Daniels, collecting over 60 percent of the vote, according to preliminary election results.

Kopel will represent Rockville Centre for the first time in his new term under the new legislative map.

Daniels had attacked the four-year Republican incumbent on his support of redistricting the Five Towns into four districts, consolidating Nassau’s police precincts and his record on work at the Bay Park Sewage Plant. Just on Monday, she filed a $100 million lawsuit against Kopel and other Republicans for a mailer that alleged her judgment led to the death of a 2-year-old boy. Kopel has denied any involvement with the mailer.

"I was the victim of the worst smear campaign in Long Island history, and while my opponent might have won the battle, he has not won the war as I will pursue my defamation suit to ensure that those responsible are held accountable," Daniels told Patch. "I am grateful for the outpouring of support I received during this campaign, and I am disappointed that I won't be able to represent this district in the county legislature."

According to the preliminary results, Kopel received 8,964 votes, compared to Daniels’ 5,297, or 62.83 percent to 37.13.

"Rockville Centre is a beautiful village. It’s got a lot of strength and I’m looking forward to getting to know the people better," Kopel told Patch. 

He added that he's already worked with Mayor Francis Murray on some issues.

The seventh district has changed under redistricting, with Inwood, parts of Cedarhurst, Lawrence, Hewlett and Woodmere and Bay Park shifted into the fourth district. Most of Rockville Centre has been added to the district.