The Daily Gotham is pleased to announce our inaugural interview in a series, in which we're going to be talking one on one with Democratic movers and shakers from around New York. We're kicking off the series with Doug Forand, of the New York State Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

TDG: Tell us a little bit about the DSCC. What does it do?

Doug Forand: The DSCC is the statewide campaign committee that supports the political goals of the Senate Democrats and helps Democrats get elected (or stay elected) to the State Senate. We raise funds; design campaign plans and provide campaign oversight; help with targeting; recruit campaign staff and provide whatever means of support are necessary for as many campaigns as possible. Our most visible work is in recruiting candidates and raising funds which we spend on our candidates’ behalf.

TDG: What role do you see the New York blogosphere and the netroots generally playing in the 2008 election for the State Senate?

Doug Forand: I think that down ballot races, such as State Senate races, are the next frontier where we’re likely to see a real impact by blogosphere. From the breakthrough impact on the 2004 presidential campaigns to last year’s Congressional races (the work by Take 19 in the John Hall district being a great example), each successive election cycle has seen an increased impact due to new media and electronic organizing. That being said, State Senate and other down ballot races are really in their infancy when it comes to being prepared to capitalize off of this medium, whether it’s in organizing, communications, or fundraising. That’s a challenge we have to address.

Looking specifically at New York’s blogosphere, I see huge potential for State Senate races. The blogs’ readership tends to represent a strong progressive base, and moving this base to a point where they recognize the importance of State Senate races can motivate them to be more involved in those races will pay significant dividends. The blogs’ coverage of our races, our candidates and our opponents will influence how the main stream media perceives and covers the races. Finally, the blogs’ influence can translate into fundraising support for our candidates and our committee.

TDG: What is, in your opinion, the track record of the current Senate majority? Why does New York need a Democratic Senate?