Should Someone Run Against Flanagan?

Errol Toulon, previously tapped to face off against state Sen. John Flanagan, R-East Northport, has dropped out of the race, according to a report by the Times Beacon Record.

Toulon, who lost a bid in 2009 to John M. Kennedy Jr. to represent Suffolk County's 12 Lesiglative District, was reportedly appointed to Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone's administration, overseeing the creation of a Traffic Violations Bureau.

Editor's Note: We regret the error, but we overlooked the simple fact that it's too late for a Democrat to be placed on the ballot opposite Flanagan. Of course a write-in campaign is still possible, however Toulon will still be on the Election Day ballot according to a Flanagan aide, and no other Democrat can replace him. Flanagan is still actively campaigning at area festivals and events, most recently at Flowerfield in St. James.

But the vacancy in the race against Flanagan – who is endorsed by the Republican, Conservative and Independence Parties – raises an interesting question: should someone step up to run against the incumbent? Often times we hear complaints about the drawbacks of a political system in America that is largely dominated by two parties. So what to make of a race that includes no opponent?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and to read the Times Beacon Record story, please click here.