His ministry extended to the civic realm, furthered by his political connections with Nassau County Republicans.

For decades, politicians nationwide marveled at the monolithic Nassau County Republicans and their highly disciplined party machine.

Nassau County Republicans have been forced to reinvent themselves.

Senator Dean G. Skelos, a Nassau County Republican, joined the conversation.

Mr. Silver received support from seven Nassau County Republicans.

For decades, Nassau County Republicans have dominated the county government.

"I don't think it really entered into his decision," said Mr. Marino, a Nassau County Republican.

Still, it was something of a surprise when, in February 2001, Nassau County Republicans asked Lazio to move there and run for county executive.

"I guess democracy is just stronger than the people who take part in it," Mr. King, a Nassau County Republican, said rather hopefully.

The majority leader, Ralph J. Marino, is a fellow Nassau County Republican.

His ministry extended to the civic realm, furthered by his political connections with Nassau County Republicans.

For decades, politicians nationwide marveled at the monolithic Nassau County Republicans and their highly disciplined party machine.

Nassau County Republicans have been forced to reinvent themselves.

Senator Dean G. Skelos, a Nassau County Republican, joined the conversation.

Mr. Silver received support from seven Nassau County Republicans.

For decades, Nassau County Republicans have dominated the county government.

"I don't think it really entered into his decision," said Mr. Marino, a Nassau County Republican.

Still, it was something of a surprise when, in February 2001, Nassau County Republicans asked Lazio to move there and run for county executive.

"I guess democracy is just stronger than the people who take part in it," Mr. King, a Nassau County Republican, said rather hopefully.

The majority leader, Ralph J. Marino, is a fellow Nassau County Republican.