In a year when Democrats hope to retake control of the New York state Senate for the first time in a decade, there are a few key races in the Hudson Valley. One is for the 40th District seat, where Republican incumbent Terrence Murphy faces Democrat Pete Harckham. Last week, we spoke with Harckham. Today, WAMC’s Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne catches up with Murphy, who is seeking a third term.
Murphy says his bid for re-election this year is like no other.
Following the deadly February school shooting in Parkland, Florida, Murphy introduced legislation that would include mass shootings within the definition of terrorism. The bill clarifies that a school, house of worship or business could be considered a civilian population when targeted by a terrorist. The bill didn’t have support among his Democratic colleagues, and Murphy says it deserves reconsideration after October’s Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. He says the bill had another layer addressing the state’s fusion center.
On education funding… it’s been a blame game. Murphy says districts like his need cost analyses to ensure funding is fair.
Murphy says if he wins re-election but the Senate becomes controlled by the Democrats, the Yorktown resident will continue working across the aisle.
Murphy says much needs to be done to accomplish ethics reform and stem corruption in Albany.
The 40th Senate District includes portions of Dutchess, Putnam and northern Westchester Counties.
