There were hopes in Republican ranks that the Party would pick-up seats in the State Legislature this year. Now, that the “dust has settled,” we know that their position in the state capitol will be slightly worse. In addition, after the upcoming reapportionment based on the 2020 census, Republican representation in the legislature could be reduced even more.
Democrats in the Assembly had a super-majority going into the election, but that was not true in the State Senate. After the election, it now appears that there will be at least 43 Democrats in a State Senate of 63 members also effectively giving the Democratic Party in that house a super-majority. “Super-majority” means that they would have enough votes to over-ride a Governor’s veto.
Some pundits have alleged that this will mean a “super-liberal” agenda in the state’s capitol. The Governor, himself a Democrat, does not seem to be much worried about the shift in political power. He has been around Albany a long time and knows the old adage that “all politics is local,” and that State Senators, no matter what their political affiliation, must first defend and represent the constituency from which they were elected.
In the case of New York State, this means that new Democratic Senators from Upstate and the Hudson Valley will be deemed “marginals”… a designation given to those who had close elections and who could be beaten if they were to become part of a big liberal agenda in the state. On the other hand, because they gave the Democratic Party a super-majority in the State Senate, they will be in a much stronger position to deliver for their constituents when it comes to state budget items and how taxpayer dollars are spent.
We have now become what is essentially a one-party state, much like California.
I have written in past articles that the decline in the fortunes of the Republican Party in New York State is not a healthy political development. We have now become what is essentially a one-party state, much like California. The ultra-conservative, personality-driven brand that the Republican Party has been offering voters has been rejected by the people of the state in more than one election.
This does not mean that Republicans cannot compete in statewide offices. There is a “shelf-life” for every elected official, and the public is willing to consider alternatives for Governor and other statewide office holders. But, the GOP will need to field candidates who represent the broad centrist, middle-of-the-road voter if they expect to succeed in electing people to statewide office.
Perhaps something like “ranked choice voting” or an “open primary” process should be considered in our State.
The continuing decline of the Republican Party in New York may usher in new concepts to ensure voters have real choices in elections. Perhaps something like “ranked choice voting” or an “open primary” process where people can select the primary election that they wish to vote in should be considered in our State.
Absent changes like that, it looks like we will be having one party dominance in Albany for the foreseeable future. Though, for Democrats, this may seem advantageous… that does not mean that it is a good idea. Competition in politics is a good thing, and we are getting less of it in Albany than at any time I can recall.
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