D'Amato Montauk birthday party serves Zeldin as a fundraiser

Former U. S. Senator Alfonse D'Amato may have celebrated his 78th birthday Saturday night at former New York Post owner Peter Kalikow's Montauk manse, but it was freshman Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) who got the present at what was also a high-powered fundraiser that featured Republican House Speaker John Boehner.

D'Amato's said his ties to Zeldin go back 60 years when the former senator was roomates with Zeldin's uncle, Herbie Erlich at Syracuse University, but D'Amato said he only met the Shirley Republican when he first ran for Congress.

"People like him. He's hard working forthright and a guy dedicated to public service," said D'Amato, who said he earlier helped raise $35,000 for Zeldin at another event several months ago. D'Amato said "This will do considerably more," He was expecting 100 or more guests at the event. D'amato's wife Katuria and their two children, Alfonso and Luciana, were due to help blow out the candles.

The fundraiser comes only weeks after Zeldin and his potential foes -- Southampton Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst and David Calone, the Suffolk County Planning Commission chairman, each raised more than $500,000 most recent campaign filing July 15.

"That's the entry fee," said D'Amato."They all got to raise money these days."