Sen. Joseph Mondello

What is the chairman going to do next? It is a head-scratcher, for sure. In this wave of Democratic wins, from the beaches of California to Montauk, most GOP chairmen have had some tough days. In the past decade, Nassau County has gone from one of the strongest GOP voter bases in the entire country to a blue state. The Democrats have a majority in the Legislature, County Executive Suozzi looks pretty safe for now and another election is coming. The chairman certainly has a big year in store. He is going to have to defend his Senate seats throughout the state, especially right here in his backyard. But don’t count this guy out—ever. He has been a kingmaker in the past, and his ability to slag off the criticism and his tough track record of late did not become an insurmountable obstacle when he was chosen to take over the state party, a move that stunned many GOP stalwarts. Should his battle for the Senate go to the GOP, he may enjoy a big upswing in support. Plus, with many presidential voters undecided over their 2008 choice, he could deliver much support to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ). It’s easy to say that a winner has power. But in the case of Chairman Mondello, maybe the power comes from his ability to roll with the punches, bide time and then come off the ropes swinging. Longevity is a big piece of the political game. The chairman is proof.

Inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2008