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| Thomas W. Faist, Esq. |
| Faist Government Affairs Group, LLC |
To Make a Difference,
We Need Your Voice
November 5, 2008
The nationwide Democratic tsunami that has swept U.S. Senator Barack Obama into the White House, has also apparently washed away the last bastion of Republican control in New York State. It appears that the Senate Democrats have picked up at least two seats to control the New York State Senate 32-30 in 2009.
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian Foley has ousted Senator Caesar Trunzo in Senate District # 3 in Suffolk County and NYC Councilmember Joseph Addabbo has bested Senator Serphin Maltese in Senate District #15 in Queens.
NYC Councilmember Hiram Monserrate kept the vacant Senate District #13, formerly held by Senator John Sabini, in the Democratic column. Assemblymember Roy McDonald has kept the vacant Senate District #43, formerly held by Senator Joe Bruno, in GOP hands.
Democratic Senators that held on against tough challengers include Senator Craig Johnson in Senate District #7 (Nassau County), Senator Suzi Oppenheimer in Senate District #37 (Westchester County), Senator Darrel Aubertine in Senate District #48 (Watertown), and Senator Bill Stachowski in Senate District #58 (Erie County).
Four more seats held by Republican Senators are still too close to call: Senate District #6 (Nassau County), held by Senator Kemp Hannon, Senate District #11 (Queens County), held by Senator Frank Padavan, Senate District #59 (Erie, Wyoming Counties), held by Senator Dale Volker, and Senate District # 61 (Erie County), held by retiring Senator Mary Lou Rath.
In any event, this represents a major SEA CHANGE in New York State politics and state governance, since the Republicans have controlled the State Senate for over 70 years, save one year in 1965.
In 2009, the Democratic Party will control all levers of state government: Governor, Attorney General, State Comptroller, State Assembly and State Senate. All of the statewide office holders and legislative leaders will now hail from New York City or Nassau County. If the Democrats hold the Senate in the 2010 elections, their Party will be able to totally control the redistricting process after the next decennial census, and redraw all State Senate, Assembly and New York Congressional Districts to ensure Democratic control for the next decade or more. New York State isn't just blue, it's indigo!
The balance of power in State Government has been disrupted, with a decided tilt to a downstate, progressive Democratic agenda.
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/storyprint.asp?StoryID=736166
The Senate Democrats will caucus tomorrow (today, actually) to decide if Senator Malcolm Smith (D-Queens), will become the Senate Majority Leader in January. His erstwhile challenger, Deputy Minority Jeff Klein (D-Bronx), has publicly stated that he would continue to support Smith as Leader; but that was before the Dems actually won the majority.
There are still a few wildcards to consider: Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. (D-Bronx), an ordained minister, has said that he would never support a Majority Leader that would allow a gay marriage bill to come to the floor of the Senate, as Sen. Smith has pledged to do. Also, new Senator Pedro Espada (D-Bronx), who has returned to the Senate in a different District, used to caucus with the Republicans, as has Senator Charles Kruger (D-Brooklyn), who currently Chairs the Senate Social Services Committee.
Never a dull moment in the Empire State. So, stay tuned....
For more information, please see the Suppplemental Election Report.
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Previously Published Lobbyist Corner Articles
| Date | Article |
11/5/08 |
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11/4/08 |
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10/29/08 |
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10/25/08 |
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10/03/08 |
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9/6/08 |
Governor Paterson annouces actions on NAHU bills of interest. |
9/5/08 |
Memorandum in Opposition of S6457/A9393
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8/24/08 |
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8/20/08 |
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8/17/08 |
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8/9/08 |
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7/30/08 |
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7/25/08 |
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7/30/08 |
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6/16/08 |
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6/12/08 |
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6/5/08 |
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5/15/08 |
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5/3/08 |
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4/29/08 |
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4/28/08 |
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3/25/08 |
Previously Published Lobbyist Corner Articles