The Capitol Connection on WAMC

Host Alan Chartock is joined by Wendy Long, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate running against incumbent Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand. They discuss abortion, tax reform, hydrofracking, and jobs.

U.S. Senate candidate Wendy Long, the Republican challenging incumbent New York Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, says the controversial gas drilling process called hydrofracking — currently being studied by the state — is safe. Long told WAMC’s Alan Chartock on the Capitol Connection program this week that the economic benefits of fracking are too great not to go forward with drilling.

Host Alan Chartock is joined by Nancy Zimpher, Chancellor of the State University of New York system. They discuss the notion of “systemness,” the Research Foundation, whether campuses can be economic growth centers, and how SUNY hopes to train students for careers.

Host Alan Chartock is joined by Ken Lovett, Albany bureau chief and columnist for the New York Daily News. They discuss the future of the New York state Senate, the 2012 elections, and Governor Cuomo’s management style.

Host Alan Chartock is joined by Larry Schwartz, Secretary to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Schwartz has previously served in the same role under Governor David Paterson. They discuss the Tappan Zee Bridge overhaul, hydrofracking, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics, and Cuomo’s 2016 plans.

Host Alan Chartock is joined by New York Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy, the former mayor and police chief of Rochester. They discuss the work of the Cuomo administration, fracking, regional economic development, and the recent scandals in the Legislature.

Host Alan Chartock is joined by Wendy Long, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate running against incumbent Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand. They discuss her criticisms of New York’s junior Senator, her chances of winning the race, and her take on U.S. policy in the Middle East.

Host Alan Chartock is joined by James Merriman, CEO of the New York City Charter School Center. They discuss charter schools, standardized testing, and co-location.

Host Alan Chartock is joined by Assemblyman Felix Ortiz of New York’s 51st district. The Democrat has served since 1994. They discuss the Vito Lopez scandal, education reforms, the fight against obesity, and Ortiz’s work chairing the mental health committee.

New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is facing a possible ethics probe after it was disclosed this week that he steered more than one-hundred-thousand dollars in secret payments to settle sexual harassment charges levied against Democrat Vito Lopez. But fellow Brooklyn Assemblyman Felix Ortiz tells WAMC’s Capitol Connection program that he doesn’t expect Silver to be ousted.