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Vox Pop : Open Forum - The Politics of Sequestration and Fracking in NY : 3/5/13

Today we are discussing two hot topics – how the so-called sequester could affect the 2014 midterm elections, and fracking in New York.

The budget cuts known as sequestration took effect last Friday, and while the overall effects of the cuts on national and local economies and government efficiency have yet to be realized, the effect of the cuts on the national political landscape may be coming into focus this week.

With the 2014 mid-term congressional elections a mere 21 months away, house republicans and the White House have switched their respective spin machines to high gear in hopes of swaying voters and maintaining or gaining power…

In New York State, the deadline to decide whether to allow permitting for hydrofracking for natural gas came and went last month. this past Saturday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will wait for the results of a Pennsylvania health study and New York’s own health review before deciding on the controversial energy gathering process.

Meanwhile, gas industry groups are warning that more businesses will leave the state if fracking is not approved, and landowners are preparing to sue the state over lost gas-leasing opportunities.

Today we want to hear your take on these highly charged issues. WAMC's Alan Chartock hosts.