The Nassau County Democrats, under the leadership of their chairman, Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli (16-AD), have their sights set on political success, but maybe not right away.

According to DiNapoli, the Nassau County Democratic Party has been racked by a great deal of internal divisions over recent years.

"This is a real offyear," said DiNapoli, explaining that along with overcoming the derisiveness, the party is faced with harvesting new talent. "This is really the beginning."

When he took over as chairman from the resigning Steven Sabbeth on April 16, DiNapoli stressed the need for unity, a message echoed by high ranking Democratic supporters.

"Steve Sabbeth was not my cup of tea. He was the wrong person for the Democratic Party," said United States Senator Charles Schumer at a recent community journalist roundtable discussion. "Tom DiNapoli is the opposite."

He further described DiNapoli as "honest, thoughtful and a strong leader."

Schumer also pledged to do his part for Long Island Democrats, during election time, by supporting candidates who reflect his moderate views, who are in touch with the people and who have a chance of winning.

DiNapoli said a chance of winning against a Republican Party with an advantage in population and funding, comes from appealing to independent-minded voters with a combination of the right issues and the right candidates.

Certain issues will be embraced by both parties on Long Island because of their import to the residents, according to Joe Galante, long time Democratic activist and political consultant.

Environmental issues take on special importance for Long Island because of its underground aquifers and shorelines.

Galante heralded North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger for her work converting the Morewood property into the Harbor Links Golf Course.

He added that this, to him, is an excellent example of how the Democrats handle environmental issues as opposed to what he said was a Republican handling of the Roosevelt Raceway Area, which instead of being turned into a parkland, as once was planned, was made into a traffic congested retail area.

"Education is an issue that people on Long Island treasure and value," said Galante, who believes Schumer's ideas, such as making tuitions tax deductible, will appeal to voters.

As the population of young families on Long Island increases, with their own issues such as childcare, the Democrats will be looking to them for not only answers to the problems, but for candidates as well.

The candidates must be people who can raise money, people that can articulate issues and people who have a strong volunteer base, according to Galante. "What we are looking for are people involved in the community."

The most talked about potential Democratic candidate is one to succeed the retiring Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a race that will not take place until 2000.

First Lady Hillary Clinton campaigned for Schumer, and despite the tumult of both the heated senate race and her personal life, she impressed Schumer, with her calm, focus and strong campaigning skills.

He said, "I think she would be a strong candidate, and I would love to serve with her."

Schumer said Clinton would have to devote herself exclusively to New York, and have someone take over her First Lady duties, and this is why she has yet to commit to running.

DiNapoli said he believes, that whether it be Clinton or Congresswoman Nita Lowey, that the Democrats will hold both senate seats, "I have every confidence we will have a woman senator from New York next year."

The interest and confidence surrounding the senatorial candidates for 2000 has the party thinking that it will be their year. Said Galante, "It is a year where we expect to do very well."

First, the Democrats must face the 1999 election, beginning tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Center of Hofstra University, when the Democrats nominate their slate for the 1999 Nassau County elections.