D'Amato stands with Gillibrand, but backs Blakeman

One year ago this week, former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato stood in the Capitol in Albany alongside Kirsten Gillibrand as Gov. David A. Paterson announced her appointment to Hillary Rodham Clinton's former Senate seat.

Yesterday, D'Amato stood in the American Legion Hall in Valley Stream, boosting fellow Nassau Republican Bruce Blakeman's declared candidacy to unseat Democrat Gillibrand.

While Gillibrand is a "good friend," D'Amato told reporters, he said: "We need more balance in Washington. We have one-party domination."

Later, D'Amato added: "The fact is she is a party functionary, going with the party, as opposed to with the people. And I don't think the party is being fair to New York, fair to Long Islanders."