Senate hopeful DioGuardi attends panel on LI economy

Michael DiFede's home-building company, Beyond Builders in East Islip, was the scene Wednesday for some talk about the Long Island economy with Joe DioGuardi, the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand. Brokers, builders and consultants sat around a conference table. It was DioGuardi's turn with Island businesspeople.

DiFede and the others spoke of the difficult housing market, problems getting bank loans, and the uncertain economy.

DioGuardi criticized President Barack Obama's policies, Democrats and the U.S. Congress. He also spoke at length about growing up in the Bronx, becoming a member of Congress, from 1985 to 1989.

DioGuardi called for infrastructure projects to boost the economy, a crowd-pleaser among his audience. He was short on how to pay for it.

Some said they wanted to hear more. But, said participant Steven Dennis, a consultant from Smithtown, "There's not enough time. There's so much to talk about."