Al D'amato

Al D’Amato was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Long Island, NY. He went to college in upstate New York at Syracuse University. He studied business and law and upon graduation from law school passed the New York State Bar in 1962. Three years later, in 1965 he began building the foundation for a future in politics. After holding various offices in Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead he outgrew the local scene and stepped up to the big-time: U.S. Senator.

Elected in 1981, he served three consecutive terms ending in 1999. In his 18 years as a New York Senator he built up a sound resume and earned a reputation as a Senator willing to help his constituents. He was even nicknamed “Senator Pothole” for his willingness to meet constituents face to face and help them with individual cases and advice. One particular story stands out regarding his devotion to his neighbors.

Long time Al D’Amato associate, John Zogby tells the story of a Palstinian friend whose American-born son was arrested by Israeli forces while taking photos on the West Bank. The Palestinian friend was fearful for days, hearing nothing regarding the welfare of his son. Zogby suggested the man call D’Amato and ask his assistance, but the Palestinian friend, aware of D’Amato’s support of Israel, denied, seeing D’Amato as a political rival. Days passed and still the man heard nothing about his son, so finally Zogby contacted Senator Al D’Amato on behalf of his Palestinian friend. Within 12 hours of Zogby’s call, the man’s son was on a plane back home. Four years after D’Amato helped the man’s son get home, he (D’Amato) sent the man a $500 check and memo from the Israeli consulate. The money was reimbursement for the son’s lost camera. Now the Palestinian man urges friends to vote for D’Amato and fundraises for the Senator himself.