Mr. Spota, a Democrat, wants a fourth term. Unlike every other District Attorney in New York State, he is bound by a Suffolk County law restricting him to 12 years in office. Mr. Spota is stepping onto political uncertain ground to challenge term limits, filing a lawsuit contending that the 19-year-old local law doesn't apply to him because his position is mandated by state constitution.
He is being joined in the challenge to the law by the two other mandated officeholders: County Clerk Judith Pascale, a Republican, and Sheriff Vincent F. Demarco, a Conservative Party member.
Spota's spokesman. Robert Clifford, said: "The lawsuit isn't about pros and cons of term limits, it's about righting a wrong from 20 years ago. Under our state constitution, Suffolk County did not have the authority to impose term limits on these offices."
The term limit law was passed in 1993 in an attempt to weaken the hold of so-called special interests on county politicians.
Stanley Klein, a political science professor at Long Island University, a Republican said: "The fact that he waited until the 11th hour means that it's not so much soul-searching. It's not so much constitutionality. It's 'I need a job'."
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote!
Michael H. Drucker
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