Spin cycle: Richard Dormer is now a Republican

As Steve Levygoes, it seems, so does his police commissioner, Richard Dormer, who changed his party registration Sept. 14 from Democrat to Republican, election records show. The change takes effect after Election Day - as does Levy's D-to-R switch, made last spring. Dormer had changed from Republican to Democrat in December 2004, months after Levy named him commissioner. Before 2001, he was in the Right to Life Party. "I didn't request it nor do I care," said Levy. "I care about qualification, not the party affiliation of employees." But Noel DiGerolamo, Suffolk PBA vice president, said of Dormer's switch: "Clearly, the commissioner felt the need to switch parties to sustain his own position with Steve Levy." - Rick Brand