Politics on the Hudson

Westchester Republicans appear to have suffered two crucial defeats in races for seats on the Board of Legislators. If the results hold, the Democrats will have the all-important super majority – the ability to pass all legislation, including bond issues, without the need for Republican votes.

In perhaps the most closely watched race, Democrat Peter Harckham looks to have defeated Republican Peter Michaelis in the battle to claim the seat being vacated by Legislator Ursula LaMotte, a Bedford Republican.

And Legislator Suzanne Swanson, a Conservative from Mount Pleasant, is losing to former Pleasantville Mayor John Nonna, a Democrat, with 84 percent of the vote tallied.

With the remaining legislative seats appearing, at the moment, not likely to change hands, the Democrats would 13 of the board’s 17 seats.