Republican Chairman: 'Brandt Would Have Been a Sacrificial Lamb'

If the Suffolk County Republican Party had put Jeremy Brandt, of Hampton Bays, up against Assemblyman Fred Thiele Jr. this November, it would have been a waste of time, Suffolk County Republican Chairman John Jay LaValle said on Thursday afternoon.

Though Brandt, a plumber who grew up in Sag Harbor, has some great potential, said LaValle, he would have been a "sacrificial lamb."

LaValle said he believes Brandt did not have enough backing or the necessary funds to run a competitive race against Thiele, who is seeking his ninth term two-year.

"The party doesn't have the money to fund that race," LaValle said. 

In addition, LaValle said, the decision was made because the Republicans have been working closely with Thiele, a registered member of the Independence Party, on a number of important issues. 

"Thiele was a Republican for most of his career," LaValle said. "And he has continued to be supportive of our Republican initiatives and Republican senators." 

Upon learning that LaValle failed to sign a Wilson Pakula, a document in which a party grants its nomination to a non-member, Brandt, a registered Conservative, opted to step down as a candidate.

On Wednesday Brandt told Patch he wasn't sure why LaValle had refused him as a candidate, but said he understands the business and that there would be other races.

Do you agree with the Republican chair's decision? Post a comment below.