Feb 27, 2008 — The North Country sent shock waves through New York State politics yesterday. Democrat Darrel Aubertine scored a stunning upset, defeating Republican Will Barclay in a district that hasn't elected a Democrat in more than a century. In unofficial results, Aubertine won 27,901 of the votes to Barclay's 25,345. That's a margin of about 2500 votes, with only about 2300 absentee ballots cast. The two candidates were seeking to replace Senator Jim Wright, who resigned last month to take a job with a lobbying firm. As David Sommerstein reports, St. Lawrence County carried Aubertine over the finish line.  Go to full article

Feb 27, 2008 — Darrel Aubertine's victory last night is sending shock-waves across New York's political landscape. The New York Times called the election "a major victory" for Governor Spitzer and his party. The Albany Times-Union predicted that the defeat might force Republican Senate leader Joe Bruno to step down. Brian Mann checked in this morning with our Albany correspondent, Karen DeWitt, who's been watching this race from the state capital. She described the outcome as "shocking."  Go to full article

Feb 13, 2008 — The state Senate campaign between Democrat Darrel Aubertine and Republican Will Barclay erupted Monday with charges of fraud and intimidation from both camps. The attacks concern a TV ad by the Aubertine campaign. It accuses Barclay's family of denying local anglers fishing rights on the Salmon River. The incident is the latest example of a vicious race with a lot at stake. Martha Foley talks with David Sommerstein, who is covering the campaign.  Go to full article

Jan 07, 2008 — The battle for Jim Wright's State Senate seat is set. Assemblyman Darrel Aubertine ended weeks of speculation Saturday and announced he's going to run. The Democrat from Cape Vincent held events in Oswego, Canton, and on his home turf in Watertown. That's where David Sommerstein was to file this report.  Go to full article

Jul 08, 2005 — An effort to revitalize Canton's waterfront got a boost from a state grant yesterday. State Senator Jim Wright announced a $100,000 to help a local group improve the natural, historic, and cultural value of islands on the Grasse River. Wright said the project is a part of a push to create a greenway along the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Sep 04, 2003 — Jim Wright protects the lands of the Ausable Club from harm by hikers and tourists, and protects hikers from harm by the land.  Go to full article

Sep 01, 2003 — Last week, the New York State Assembly opened hearings into the blackout that darkened much of New York and Ontario Aug. 14. Assembly members heard from the head of the Public Service Commission, which oversees regulation of the state power grid, and the Independent System Operation, which runs it. Both men said the system responded well under the circumstances, but that improvements in the big regional grid are needed to make sure it doesn't happen again.
State Senator James Wright of Watertown is chairman of the senate energy committee. The Senate is not planning its own hearings into the blackout. He told Martha Foley the massive power failure was an international event, and the Senate will wait to hear results of the US and Canadian governments' coordinated investigation.  Go to full article

Apr 12, 2002 — A study of rural areas by the Public Service Commission will demonstrate ways to improve access to telecommunications in the North Country. State Senator Jim Wright says rural communities continue to fall behind more populated areas in technological infrastructure.  Go to full article