Schneiderman Handily Defeats Kelly in Legislature Race

Suffolk County Legislator of Montauk has bested challenger , a political newcomer from , holding 65 percent of the vote with 61 of 63 election districts reporting.

"I think I can call this one," Schneiderman said, standing on stage at the Southampton Democratic Committee election night headquarters, in Southampton Village.

Schneiderman, 49, earned a fifth term. Prior to joining the Legislature, he was the East Hampton Town supervisor for four years. He was a Republican when he joined the Legislature, but since defected to the Independence Party and gained the Democratic Party's endorsement.

Kelly, a small business owner, attempted to paint Schneiderman as an outcast unable to form strong political ties because of his third-party affiliation.

When reached late Tuesday night, Kelly only said he is grateful to have had the opportunity to run.