Democrat Robert Zimmerman hosts GOP campaign brunch

He may be a Democratic National Committee member, but Robert Zimmerman held a campaign brunch at his Great Neck home over the weekend for Republican state Sen. Jack Martins of Mineola. Zimmerman called Martins "an exemplary public official."

"I'm a proud Democrat, but my community and Long Island come before partisanship," Zimmerman said. Jacob Tugendrajch, spokesman for Martins' Democratic challenger Adam Haber, declined to comment on Zimmerman's role but accused Martins of being a "pay to play" lawmaker who blocked campaign finance reform. He said Haber has drawn "positive reactions" across party lines. -- Rick Brand