REBNY throws financial weight behind Long Island Democrat

More than a quarter of Real Estate Board of New York members’ donations to New York Senate candidates and parties this year went to a single candidate: Long Island Democrat Todd Kaminsky.

The state senator, who won an election to replace disgraced Majority Leader Dean Skelos in April, raised $121,000 from REBNY members this year, according to a report. Only Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman raised more. The flood of donations to a Democrat is noteworthy because REBNY has historically favored Republicans in State Senate races.

Overall, the Senate GOP collected $204,517 from REBNY’s PAC and prominent members this year, compared to Democrats’ $174,317 and the Independent Democratic Conference’s $74,600.

Kaminsky has to fight two campaigns this year: the special election he won in April and then a regular election for his seat in November. Sources told Politico that the politician also has close personal ties to developers.

John Catsimatidis and his wife donated $33,000, while Scott Rechler’s [TRDataCustom] family gave $27,000. Howard Lorber gave $14,500, Donald Zucker $10,000 and an LLC tied to the Durst Organization gave $7,500.

Another $10,500 donation came from TenantsPAC, a group claiming to fight real estate’s “strong and corrupting influence in our state government.” [Politico] — Konrad Putzier