Tantone's Islip GOP fundraiser a huge hit

Islip GOP chairman Frank Tantone knows how to draw a standing-room-only crowd: Supply seats for only half those in attendance.

Tantone said the $150-a-head fundraiser at Villa Lombardi's in Holbrook was the biggest yet for his revitalized town GOP committee. It brought in more than 400 supporters -- almost triple the number that showed up earlier this month for Suffolk GOP chairman John Jay LaValle's event.

But the catering hall set up only 20 tables, accommodating about 200 people, although Tantone beforehand estimated he'd have at least 300. Party officials say the fundraiser exceeded their earlier successful one at Captain Bill's in Bay Shore.

-- Rick Brand