Steve Bannon to headline Rep. Zeldin fundraiser in Manhattan

<p>Steve Bannon, President Donald Trump's former chief strategist and controversial conservative firebrand, is headlining a campaign fundraiser Thursday night for Rep. Lee Zeldin, of Suffolk's 1st District.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Dec 14, 2017, 10:57 PM

Updated 2,317 days ago

Share:

Steve Bannon, President Donald Trump's former chief strategist and controversial conservative firebrand, is headlining a campaign fundraiser Thursday night for Rep. Lee Zeldin, of Suffolk's 1st District. 
Bannon has been accused by many as being a white nationalist and giving a platform to the alt-right movement on his website, Breitbart. 
Republicans were especially bothered at Bannon after he championed the candidacy of embattled Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, who became the first Republican to lose a Senate race in Alabama in a quarter century.
Rep. Peter King said that Bannon doesn't belong on the national political stage. 
"He looks like some disheveled drunk that wandered onto the political stage," said Rep. King on CNN's New Day Wednesday. 
Dave Ryan, of Smithtown, says he's voted for Zeldin twice, but he's not happy about the congressman's willingness to stand side by side with Bannon.
"Steve Bannon is someone I think is taking the national GOP in the wrong direction, I'm kind of disappointed, but sometimes I guess you chase the money," said Ryan. 
Other Zeldin supporters say they trust their congressman's judgment. 
Political analyst Mike Dawidziak says Rep. Zeldin's district is not one where "you want to appear too extreme." 
"If Lee Zeldin is smart and, I think he's smart, he will try to separate his governance from his politics," says Dawidziak. 
News 12 Long Island attempted to reach Rep. Zeldin about the fundraiser, but have not hear back.
 


More from News 12
2:19
New retail theft prevention plan in state budget includes harsher charges, more patrols

New retail theft prevention plan in state budget includes harsher charges, more patrols

1:46
Mostly cloudy skies and cool conditions on Long Island

Mostly cloudy skies and cool conditions on Long Island

0:28
Muslim Student Association of Walt Whitman High School hosts Day of Unity conference

Muslim Student Association of Walt Whitman High School hosts Day of Unity conference

0:23
Suffolk County holds police promotion ceremony in Brentwood

Suffolk County holds police promotion ceremony in Brentwood

2:00
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

0:17
Police probe multivehicle crash on Southern State Parkway

Police probe multivehicle crash on Southern State Parkway

0:23
Police: 1 man faces charges for selling cannabis, illegal vape products at Huntington Station shop

Police: 1 man faces charges for selling cannabis, illegal vape products at Huntington Station shop

0:26
Police: Wyandanch man arrested for recklessly driving dirt bike

Police: Wyandanch man arrested for recklessly driving dirt bike

0:14
Police: Suspect wanted for stealing over $3,000 worth of sunglasses from Lake Grove store

Police: Suspect wanted for stealing over $3,000 worth of sunglasses from Lake Grove store

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

1:30
Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

1:50
Local leaders, residents express growing concern about homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

Local leaders, residents express growing concern about homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

2:00
John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road