Political and business leaders are concerned that Hurricane Sandy and an uncertain political climate will further de-stabilize New York State’s economy – Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
Early today on his campaign’s Facebook page, Democrat Justin Wagner conceded the 40th district race to incumbent Greg Ball.
Mid-morning Gannett's Albany News Bureau reported that Republican George Amedore has taken a 54-vote lead in the newly carved 46th district - which runs from the Albany area into Ulster County.
Republicans have come under fire for suggesting that absentee ballots in the 41st district - where Terry Gipson leads Senator Stev Saland by about 15-hundred votes - not be counted until after Thanksgiving.
Justin Wagner Wagner believes what's most important is that every vote gets counted: if Amedore wins the seat, The GOP would hold the 32 votes necessary to control the chamber after Brooklyn Democrat Simcha Felder this week indicated he would sit with Republicans.
The president of the New York State Business council told government and business leaders in Glens Falls this week that the two undecided Senate races coupled with the devastation from Hurricane Sandy could well influence the fate of pro-business legislation: Heather Bricetti warning that should Republicans lose control, it may be difficult for lawmakers to get fiscal restraint items through the Senate and Assembly. Bricetti was not available for comment.
Dan Moran with Next-Act of Colonie has his fingers on the pulse of the business community - his advice: hang tough. Justin Wagner thinks that whatever happens, New Yorkers will persevere.
It could be February before we know the outcome of the 41st and 46th district Senate races - calls to Senate Republicans were not returned in time for broadcast.
