Will the 2008 Blue Wave sweep out the ossified obstructionist Republicans in Albany? Will a Democratic take over of the State Senate actually help to clear out Albany's political constipation or will the likes of Shelly Silver STILL keep things dysfunctional? We will soon find out. But what is clear is that there are three particularly good candidates Democrats can support for State Senate who would definitely improve things. And the NY Times has endorsed all three.

NY Times State Senate endorsements:

Third State Senate District on Long Island: Voters have a good choice in the Democratic challenger, Brian Foley, the town supervisor of Brookhaven. Mr. Foley has managed to restore the town's good name after decades of rotten Republican rule. The incumbent, Caesar Trunzo, was elected in the Nixon era. His core argument for re-election has boiled down to his pride in being a major conduit for pork. Long ago, he became a living monument to the inertia in Albany. We endorse Brian Foley.

State Senate District 11 in Queens: Frank Padavan, a veteran Republican who has served in this district since 1972, has done some good in all those years. He has opposed gambling, for example, and human trafficking. But his views on women's reproductive rights and immigration are backward, even dangerous. James Gennaro, a member of City Council, offers a passionate contrast, not only on those issues but on the environment. He has been fighting to protect New York City's reservoirs. We endorse James Gennaro.

State Senate District 15 in Queens: Serphin Maltese, the incumbent Republican, is a well-established Albany hand who has routed plenty of money to his mostly Democratic district. After 20 years, however, it is time for someone like Joseph Addabbo to try his hand. Mr. Addabbo, a member of City Council, has said that if Democrats take over, they will not force the same Draconian rules on Republicans that now exist to punish Democrats. That is a good start. We endorse Mr. Addabbo.