ELEX 'ELATION' FOR ALL-CONQUERING DEMS

BY MICHAEL WHITE DAILY NEWS WRITER

Thursday, November 10th 2005, 7:22AM

The race for Suffolk sheriff was closer than Brookhaven's supervisor race, with Democrat Vincent DeMarco, a deputy sheriff and union leader, edging his boss, Republican incumbent Al Tisch, by some 11,000 votes.

"It's pure jubilation," DeMarco's campaign manager, Anthony Manetta, said of the mood in camp.

But there was also a feeling of relief, he said.

"These guys had a lot to lose - running against their boss - if Vinnie didn't pull it out," Manetta said.

DeMarco's campaign joined the celebration Tuesday night at Democratic headquarters in Patchogue, and many staffers didn't head home until about 2:30 a.m., Manetta said.