Republican legislative candidate Thomas Muratore topped the $100,000 mark in fundraising and got a minor party boost Wednesday night with word that the Independence Party is backing him.
Muratore, a Suffolk PBA vice president, drew about 300 people to his $150-a-head event at Villa Lombardi in Holbrook, raising aboiut $40,000 with more donations still coming in, said Frank Tassone, campaign consultant.
Among those at the event were Democratic District Attorney Thomas Spota and term-limited Legis. Joseph Caracappa (R-Selden) who has endorsed Muratore as his successor. Also appearing was Republican County Clerk Judith Pascale, a close ally of state Independence Party chairman Frank MacKay, who told the audience that MacKay’s party is backing Muratore for the open seat.
Rick Brand
Because there is no incumbent, experts say the race could be one of the most hotly contested this fall -- especially since Muratore is a top PBA offical, a group that has often been at odds with Democratic County Executive Steve Levy, and one of Levy's aides, Brian Beedenbender, is the Democratic candidate.
Beedenbender said he is neither worried about the police union official’s money or his ballot lines. “People have run and won with just one line and I have two, “ he said, adding he received the Working Families Party endorsement Wednesday. “I know he’s going to have more money, but I’m the candidate out contacting the voters.”
Comments (3)
If Judith Pascale has Frank MacKay as a friend, she must be pretty lonely.
Does the Dem. think he is the only candidate reaching the public. Every place I go I see the other guys name. I have seen him at the local parades handing out American flags to the kids. He seems to have signs up along Middle Country Road. I even heard he is thanking home owners who fly the American Flag. I think the Dem should get busy.
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