Do you think that the Democrats are making a significant effort to capture a majority in the New York State Senate? Well, I don't know either. In hopes of an answer, I and other public school parents (persuaded that Senator Bruno's Republican Majority is blocking equitable funding for our kids' schools), went to a party last night to find out.
There, Senator Eric Schneiderman, strategist, was mobilizing the base to take Senate seats from the Reublicans. 100 Upper West Side progressives consumed wine and soda, crudités, fruit, pasta, more wine and dessert. As soon as he came in, we cornered Senator Eric: "So where's the money for public schools? Did you bring it?" He reached for his wallet which seemed not to have 5.6 billion in it. "Once we have control of the Senate, I'll deliver the money" he joked.
US. Rep. Jerry Nadler, looking thinner than ever, but still not thin, was in fine fettle, joked about how this time the election was really important (even though he'd said the same thing about so many elections past). Council Member Robert Jackson was there too: elegant, witty, focused on school funding. State Senator almost-elect Bill Perkins with his signature broad-brimmed brown hat, mixed with the crowd, passed out a palm card or two.
After the speeches and cheers, I asked Sen. Schniederman in which races he was committed to assisting Democrats. Where did he see the chances for change? As I understand it, for example, no one is running against Senator Joe Bruno and if there are credible challenges mounted against those NYC Republican Senators seeking re-election, I haven't heard about them. "Brian Keeler" he said -- referring to Hudson Valley progressive blogger who is challenging Sen. Steve Saland. But Keeler probably won’t win, he conceded, given the GOP registration edge and incumbency advantage. So where will the Democratic majority come from? Well, he thinks Stewart-Cousins can win over Sen. Nick Spano and he'll put volunteers and money into that race as well as some in Suffolk. The words "1199," "Teachers" and "CSEA" all of which unions have endorsed Sen. Spano just didn’t come up. Will the Democrats unite around Matthew Titone, in Staten Island who is running for the Senate seat left open when Sen. John Marchi retired? "We'll have to wait until after the primary to see how to spend our resources." Sen. Schneiderman replied.
I left well fed but feeling that the Spitzer/anti-Bush tsunami notwithstanding, the GOP may keep control of the State Senate in 2006, although I hope not because I want the Campaign for Fiscal Equity money for the schools.
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