Suffolk Conservatives officials expect as many as 500 to show up for their spring fundraiser tonight at Venetian Yacht Club in Babylon, honoring Long Island's eight Republican state senators as well as two leading Democrats: Islip Supervisor Philip Nolan and the legislature's Presiding Officer William Lindsay.
For the second year in a row the event is likely to overshadow the county Republican fundraiser held last week, in part because the minor party attracts officials and candidates from both major parties as well as their own members. Suffolk GOP chairman Harry Withers said his event drew 200, and raised aobut $30,000, but some set the number who showed at below 100. Conservative officials, citing the sagging economy, are predicting they will raise about $80,000 at the $300 per head event; last year, the minor party brought in $100,000.
Beforehand, party officials will gather with GOP congressional nominee Lee Zeldin and black conservative cable commentator Mychal Massie, the party's "man of the year" designee.
Rick Brand