Gillibrand's GOP Opponents Square Off

While all are considered long shots to unseat freshman Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, the three Republicans seeking the nomination to take her on shared a stage at the VFW Post 5253 assembly hall in Albertson Wednesday night.

The candidates were invited to speak by members of the Nassau-Queens County 9-12 Project, a Tea Party affiliated group.

The former speaker of the Nassau County Legislature, Bruce Blakeman has received the endorsement of the Republican party. The first speaker of the evening, Blakeman is running on a three-pronged platform of "Cut, Repeal and Protect."

Blakeman pitched repealing the financial reform, bank bailout and healthcare bills. He also said he is in favor of military tribunals instead of civilian trials for terrorists involved in the 9/11 attacks.

A former two-term Congressman representing Southern Westchester County, Joe DioGuardi, a CPA, is the only Conservative party candidate. He told those assembled that the two biggest problems New York is facing is "a dysfunctional government in Albany and a dysfunctional government in Washington."

Many are discounting DioGuardi's candidacy, but he said he remains confident because of his Conservative party nomination.

DioGuardi focused primarily on the financial issues, including social security, the national debt and the high cost of the new health care bill.

David Malpass is running on the taxpayer line, which stresses lower taxes and smaller government. Malpass is the former chief economist at Bear Stearns.

The Republican primary will be held on Sept. 14.