Biography
Al D'Amato, born August 1, 1937 in Brooklyn, N.Y., grew up in Long Island, N.Y. He is best known as a New York Senator who spent time with his constituents in face to face meetings. He began his political career in Nassau County, eventually being elected to the position of Senator in 1980. He now serves as a political consultant and lobbyist.
While in Long Island, Mr. D'Amato attended Chaminade High School. Upon graduation he attended Syracuse University where he received a bachelor of science degree in business. Al D'Amato graduated in 1959 and continued with law school at Syracuse, receiving his juris doctor in 1961. While in school, he belonged to the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity and married Penelope. They later divorced in 1982.
From 1965 to 1968, Al D'Amato served as administrator of Nassau County. He was responsible for the position of tax assessor in Hampstead, N.Y. from 1965-1968. He then held the position of town supervisor of Hampstead in 1971-1977, and became presiding supervisor of Hampstead and vice chairman of Nassau County Board of Supervisors in 1977. He held this position until 1980, when he decided to run for New York Senate.
Elizabeth Holtzman and Jacob Javits ran against Al D'Amato in 1980. Mr. D'Amato won the race with a 45% plurality victory. He served as Senator from 1980 to 1998. While in office, he participated in several committees including the National Republic Senatorial Committee, the President's Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and a member of the Senate Finance Committee.
After Al D'Amato's service in the New York Senate, he pursued positions in the private sector. Since leaving office Al D'Amato has worked for Park Strategies, as a political consultant and lobbyist. He also works as a managing director for Computer Associates.