Thursday, January 14, 2010

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.

9 comments:

  1. I like Pattie Ritchie or Matt Doheny for NY-48. Both could put up a good challenge to Aubertine who isn't vulnerable, but isn't the strongest candidate eitiher.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dede should try against Aubertine. I know she fumbled for McHugh's seat, but people could rally behind her to beat Aubertine.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hoefully they all lose reelection and we get a completely new legislature.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think Doheny would be a natural fit for the 48th. His background and his ability to pull in help supporters from Oswego County would really put Aubertine in a tough spot.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Doheny is a perfect fit for the 48th. He should back down from the congressional run and he Republicans take back the State Senate. Hoffman can't because he doesn't live in that senate district and Barclay already tried. Matt, don't leave us out to dry. We need you in the 48th!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. 9:27
    What about Patricia Ritchie?

    ReplyDelete
  7. 244 - Pattie Ritchie does this all the time. Says she's in and then never makes a move. I hightly doubt she could make a serious challenge at Aubertine anyway. Doheny is the best shot the GOP has.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Why so negative Ritchie's chances? She has a base of support in St. Lawrence county, she would likely carry Oswego County given its heavy GOP enrollment advantage, and Big Wind is hurting Aubertine in Jefferson county.

    Given the high dissatisfaction with Democrats in Albany, Aubertine can be defeated so long as the Republican running raises enough money to get his or her message out.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Bill Larkin's close ties to Bruno, here in the 39th, might aid in the push to remove incumbents. Whether the movement is just or not, that bad taste in our mouths is the knowledge that Larkin is presumed to be Joe's bag man down here.
    In addition, the voter registration between Orange and Ulster has dramatically jumped in the Democratic direction. Watch out Bill.

    ReplyDelete