Patchogue Election Guide

As we look ahead to November’s elections, Patch sites across Long Island are here to bring you the information you need about every race in town. Here's our start on the candidates and issues we'll be covering as November draws near. Bookmark this page for updates.

President Barack Obama: Elected in 2008 on a platform of change, this time around the president is going to have to draw from his experience at the country's helm for the past four years. Time will tell if the president visits Long Island this election, but if history is any indicator, we're sure to see .

GOP Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney (presumed): While the former Massachusetts governor still needs the nomination at the GOP convention in August, the race between the president and this New England Republican is all but set. Look for Romney to point to taxes and big government to pick up East End votes. Long Island, but we expect he'll be back before Election Day.

U.S. Senate: U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., is seeking a six-year term in Washington following her appointment by then Gov. David Paterson on Jan. 23, 2009. Gillibrand replaced Hillary Rodham Clinton when she was appointed Secretary of State by President Obama. Republicans running in a primary for the right to battle Gillibrand this November include U.S. Rep. Bob Turner, R-Forest Hills,Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and U.S litigation attorney Wendy E. Long.

U.S. Rep. Tim Bishop: The five-term Congressman and native of Southampton narrowly escaped losing in 2010, and this year he's facing the same opponent in Randy Altschuler. Bishop has a long history of bringing cash back to the East End, but hasn't created enough jobs, according to his opponent. .

Randy Altschuler: This St. James businessman came so close in 2008—less than 600 votes—that he's trying for a second time to unseat Bishop. Much like last time, Altschuler is touting his business acumen as an entrepreneur as proof he can create jobs. But Bishop has pegged him an outsourcer, just like last election. .

State Sen. Lee Zeldin: Once the youngest attorney in New York State and a U.S. Army veteran, Zeldin will his second two-year term in the State Senate in November. Zeldin, a Republican, lives in Shirley.