New York State Senate Races to Think About

There are more races than we can count in this region and we will cover NY-23 continuously. But I am also considering following some of the New York State Senate races more closely because the balance in the Senate is so tight right now. If Democrats maintain a majority in the State Senate they will have a lot of power. They could possibly have both US Senate seats, the Governor's office, a huge majority in the Assembly and a tight majority in the State Senate. Most of the seats in upstate and central New York are held by Republicans, but if they could flip one or two they might have a shot at having some say in Albany next year. That may be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you view things...

These are the districts in the State Senate I would be willing to look more closely at and continue following:

- NYS Senate District 44: Incumbent Senator Hugh Parley (R)

- NYS Senate District 45: Incumbent Senator Elizabeth "Betty" Little (R, C, IP)

- NYS Senate District 47: Incumbent Senator Joe Griffo (R, C, IP)

- NYS Senate District 48: Incumbent Senator Darrel Aubertine (D)

- NYS Senate District 49: Incumbent Senator David Valesky (D, WF)

- NYS Senate District 51: Incumbent Senator James Seward (R,C, IP)

Obviously you can see that districts 48 and 49 are the only seats held by strong incumbent Democrats. Both races, I think, will likely see multiple Republicans making a run for it. I know of a few Democrats considering making a bid for some of the Republican held seats as well. But let's consider this an open thread to discuss who might be the best candidate to mount a challenge for any of these races, or whether you think the incumbents will maintain control. Or, if you know of a candidate that has yet to announce who you think might or should please put their name down below so we can share it with the rest of the blogosphere to see.