Candidate Profile: Edward P. Ra

Name: Edward P. Ra

Hometown: Franklin Square

Party: Republican, Conservative, Independence, Tax Revolt Party

Bio: Long Island native Ed Ra was elected to represent the people of the 21st district in the New York State Assembly on Nov. 2, 2010. As a member of the Assembly, Ra serves on several committees that deal with issues directly effecting local residents including Health, Labor and Education. Ra is also the Ranking Minority Member of the Racing & Wagering Committee and also serves on the Codes Committee.

Assemblyman Ra has served as the Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of Hempstead and as a legal aide in the Office of the New York State Attorney General. Assemblyman Ra is a lifelong resident of Franklin Square, where he lives with his wife, Laura.

Education: Ra graduated from Chaminade High School in 2000 and Loyola College in Maryland in 2004 where he served as a member of the Student Government Association for four years including as senior class president. He received his J.D. from St. John's University School of Law in 2007 and LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 2008. He is admitted to practice law in N.Y., N.J. and Pennsylvania.

Opponent: Gary B. Port - Democrat District: The new 19th Assembly District covers the vast majority of the old 17th Assembly District under Assemblyman Tom McKevitt. The new district includes Albertson, East Williston, Franklin Square, Garden City, Garden City Park, Glen Head, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Westbury and Williston Park.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit http://www.vote411.org/pollfinder.php to find your local polling location.

Story by Geoffrey Walter