Labate, Lally Issue Statements on GOP Primary

Tuesday’s GOP primary election for the third congressional district showed Grant Lally, R-Lloyd Harbor, with a narrow lead.

With all districts reporting, Lally brought in 2,857 votes, or about 51 percent, while Stephen Labate, R-Deer Park, took in 2,762 votes, or 49 percent.

Both campaigns issued statements on Facebook Wednesday. Lally has already thanked voters for their support "to win the Republican nomination," but Labate pointed out that his challenger received slightly more than 100 votes and "that there are over 500 ballots still to be counted.”

From Labate: “The Campaign to Elect Stephen A. Labate, Inc. is awaiting the complete count of all ballots before making a statement on the outcome of yesterday’s Primary Election in New York’s Third Congressional District. There is currently a 110 vote difference and there are over 500 ballots still to be counted.”

From Lally: “I am humbled by and thankful for the support of thousands of Long Islanders across the North Shore, to win the Republican nomination for U.S. Congress. Tonight’s victory was possible only because of the hard work and dedication of hundreds of volunteers and supporters, and I cannot thank them enough. It is now time for the Republican Party to unify, and with the support I have received from the Conservative, Libertarian, and Tea Parties, together we will defeat Steve Israel and Barack Obama this fall."

Some have called the primary election to close to call. Patch will report new details as they emerge.