Jan 27, 2009 — Kirsten Gillibrand's rise has opened a full-on battle to fill her House seat. At least four top Republicans have thrown their hats into the ring. They include Assembly minority leader James Tedisco, former gubernatorial candidate John Faso, and state Senator Betty Little. Senator Little faces an early test today, when Republican leaders from across the 20th district meet to discuss an endorsement. Little spoke with Brian Mann about the race.  Go to full article

Sep 12, 2008 — New York's political world is now looking forward to the November elections. Primary voting this week produced mixed results. Karen DeWitt sifts through the tea leaves to see if there are any trends for the fall.  Go to full article

Jun 25, 2008 — Senator Joe Bruno's surprise announcement this week that he won't seek re-election raises new questions about the Republican Party's ability to hold its one-seat majority in the November elections. Democrats enjoy a lopsided advantage in terms of voter enrollment and fundraising. The GOP is also burdened by President George Bush's rock-bottom approval ratings. Brian Mann checked in with North Country Senator Betty Little, who says she hopes Bruno will help support Republican candidates through the end of the year.  Go to full article

Jan 16, 2008 — Governor Spitzer still hasn't officially called a special election to fill Senator Jim Wright's seat in Albany. But that hasn't stopped Republican Will Barclay and Democrat Darrel Aubertine from attacking each other already. The candidates are sparring over Spitzer's failed drivers license plan. David Sommerstein reports.  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

Dec 13, 2007 — One of the North Country's state senate seats is up for grabs next year. Republican Senator James Wright confirmed yesterday he'll resign on December 31st to join a national lobbying and consulting firm. Wright's district includes all of Jefferson and Oswego counties and part of St. Lawrence County. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Jan 26, 2007 — Joe Griffo is watching Albany from the inside the state Senate for the first time. Griffo was elected in November to represent the district stretching north from the Utica area to Massena. He succeeds his fellow Republican Ray Meier, who stepped down to run, unsuccessfully, for Congress. Like Meier, Griffo came to the state senate from the office of Oneida County executive. Before that, he was mayor of Rome for three terms. Griffo is one of only two new Republicans joining the majority in the Senate; this week he was named chair of the Senate Election Committee. He also will serve on the higher education, environmental conservation and energy committees, among others. He was in our studios yesterday. He told Martha Foley he's encouraged by the new spirit of cooperation in Albany, and new initiatives to reform ethics laws and the budget process. But he's looking for progress on specifics.  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

Jan 24, 2005 — As the state legislature begins review of the executive budget, the North Country will have more influence in the Senate. Senator Jim Wright announced late last week he's been promoted to an entry leadership position, the Deputy Majority Leader for Policy. The Watertown Republican was also appointed to the powerful Senate Finance Committee, which controls the chamber's purse strings. It's the first time a North Country Senator has sat on the committee since the retirement of Senator Ron Stafford. Wright says the two positions will give the North Country more leverage in Albany.  Go to full article

Jan 17, 2003 — Republicans in the state Senate started out the 2003 legislative session by proposing and passing budget reform, although they admit prospects are bleak for an on time budget this year. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article