Bellone tips hat to GOP's Zeldin for funding

Last year, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone enthusiastically endorsed the re-election of Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton), even criticizing Bishop's Republican opponent for wading into county matters. Bellone, a Democrat, may do the same next year, but for now, his office is positively mentioning state Sen. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), who's seeking the seat. Bellone issued a statement touting continued funding for a state pilot program that established local peer-to-peer counseling for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"Funding for the program was secured by Senator Lee Zeldin," the statement reads. Days earlier, Zeldin called securing program funding one of his proudest accomplishments since his 2010 election.

-- Paul LaRocco