Sep 08, 2006 — Hollywood star power is trying to help a Democratic candidate oust Republican Congressman John McHugh. Actor and Watertown high school graduate Viggo Mortensen attended the first of three fundraisers for Dr. Robert Johnson last night in Plattsburgh. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Aug 01, 2006 — Government reform groups tracked campaign contributions given by the energy industry to government officials. They found Governor George Pataki has received the most money, but that Democratic candidate for Governor, Eliot Spitzer, is a close second. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jul 19, 2006 — Challengers to Eliot Spitzer in the New York Governor's race face a long uphill climb this summer, now that fundraising numbers show that the Democratic front runner has several million more dollars than his nearest opponents. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jun 17, 2005 — A near record amount of money - almost $42 million - was spent on lobbying for the recently defeated West Side stadium proposal. Madison Square Garden and its owner, Cablevision, which opposed the project, outspent the New York Jets by a nearly two to one margin. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jun 15, 2005 — Governor Pataki is pushing for a ban on lobbying before the end of the legislative session, but there are indications the legislature may opt instead for more disclosure of lobbying activities. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jun 14, 2005 — Governor George Pataki says reform of lobbying practices and crime initiatives are some of his top priorities for the legislative session, which is set to end June 23. Karen DeWitt reports from Albany.  Go to full article

Nov 09, 2004 — The 2004 Election was the most expensive in U.S. history. There were more TV and radio ads than ever before. And there were 3 presidential debates, but the issue of campaign finance reform barely got a mention. Those who want to reduce the amount and influence of money in politics are re-grouping to bring their message back to the headlines. Joan Mandle is executive director of Democracy Matters, based at Colgate University, with chapters on college campuses nationwide. She told David Sommerstein the 2004 election makes campaign finance reform more important than ever.  Go to full article

May 23, 2003 — Good government groups say political donations made by the real estate industry present new evidence for the need for reform. The campaign contributions were made as New York City's rent regulations are due to expire. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Nov 06, 2002 — David Sommerstein talks with Independence Party executive committee member and former Watertown mayor Jeff Graham about Independence gubernatorial candidate Thomas Golisano's lighter than expected showing. Golisano spent more than $60 million on the campaign.  Go to full article

Jul 19, 2002 — Republican Senator Ron Stafford announced this spring that he'll step aside after nearly four decades in office. But documents filed this month with New York's Board of Elections, show that Senator Stafford's campaign war chest continues to grow. As Brian Mann reports, that money will help give the Senator political clout, long after his retirement.  Go to full article