Suffolk Democrats get fundraising boost

Suffolk Democrats got a last-minute rush last week for their $300-a-head fundraiser kicking off Babylon Supervisor's Steve Bellone's county executive race. "We did $50,000 at the door, which is twice the $25,000 we normally do," county chairman Richard Schaffer said. The total of 723 donors set a record for him as county leader, he said. Before County Executive Steve Levy's withdrawal, the party drew about 400. Party insiders cited an outpouring of mid-level Levy administration aides and assistant county attorneys who'd been skipping party events after Levy went Republican. On hand were Anne and Bill McShane, who had been Levy's fundraiser and campaign treasurer. "Clearly having Levy out of the race helped," Schaffer said. "And people recognize we have the best candidate." -- Rick Brand