May 22, 2007 — Governor Eliot Spitzer and legislative leaders held their third open leaders meeting Monday, and found common ground on a number of criminal justice issues, including expansion of the state's DNA database, and some gun control measures. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

May 03, 2007 — There's been some bitter rhetoric this week at the State Capitol, between Governor Eliot Spitzer and Republicans in the State Senate, over campaign finance practices. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

May 01, 2007 — The annual celebration of Law Day at the Capitol turned political, as the state's top Judge castigated some New York politicians for not granting the judicial branch a pay raise. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Nov 08, 2006 — Republican state Senator Betty Little claimed victory Tuesday night in her re-election bid against Democratic challenger Dr. Tim Merrick. Meanwhile, Republican Clinton County Treasurer Janet Duprey is headed to Albany after winning election to the state Assembly . As Chris Knight reports, the winning candidates relied on their records and experience to gain the support of voters.  Go to full article

Jul 13, 2006 — An Assembly committee put Olympic Regional Development Authority President and CEO Ted Blazer under the microscope Tuesday over the Congressional Winter Challenge. The annual retreat has been held in Lake Placid since 1998. Supporters say it's a way to get support for federal aid to Lake Placid's Olympic venues. But, as Chris Knight reports, critics believe the event is a taxpayer funded vacation for lobbyists.  Go to full article

May 30, 2006 — Members of the Democratic Party began their statewide convention yesterday in Buffalo. Party leaders have unified behind Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, who leads the race to replace outgoing governor George Pataki. Some independent political analysts say the Democrats could sweep every major statewide office this year, fueled by Spitzer's popularity and by disarray in the Republican Party. It's unclear whether the momentum will carry over here in the North Country, which has been a traditional GOP stronghold. Brian Mann spoke last night with Sue Montgomery Corey, chair of the Essex County Democratic Committee. She's one of the delegates at the convention in Buffalo. Note: Republicans begin their statewide convention tomorrow on Long Island. We'll be checking in with a North Country delegate to that gathering as well.  Go to full article

May 24, 2006 — The State Assembly held hearings on a bill to force large retailers and other employers to provide health insurance to their workers. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

May 22, 2006 — Over the weekend, Marc Humbert, a veteran political writer with the Associated Press, reported that Democrats are poised to sweep every statewide office in New York state. The November election is still six months away, and a lot can change in half a year. But in the governor's race Eliot Spitzer holds a commanding 50-point lead over Republican candidates William Weld and John Faso. In the U.S. Senate race, Hillary Clinton leads all challengers by 2-to-1 margins. Veteran Republican pollster Frank Luntz predicted that Clinton will win re-election by "a landslide." It's a dramatic reversal for Republicans, who swept to power in New York state in 1994. The shifting political climate is being felt here in the North Country, as well. Democrats have won key elections from Plattsburgh to Saranac Lake to the St. Lawrence Valley. Brian Mann spoke with veteran Republican Assemblyman Chris Ortloff, who announced last week that he'll step down after twenty years in office. Ortloff says his decision is part of a larger pattern.

NOTE: Ortloff says he'll leave office as early as June. If confirmed by the State Senate, he'll take a six-year appointment with New York's state parole board.  Go to full article

May 19, 2006 — In a stunning decision, Assemblyman Chris Ortloff has dropped out of the Republican Primary for the 114th Assembly district. The 20-year veteran will take a position with the state Parole Board. As Brian Mann reports, the move reflects a political shake-up in the region.  Go to full article

May 09, 2006 — Legislative leaders say they will work together to come up with a plan to help alleviate gas prices for New Yorkers. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article