Golisano Intends To Knock GOP From NY Senate Perch

New York State Dems have gotten much closer over the last couple years to taking all three "rooms" in Albany, having a lock on the Assembly and a Democratic Governor for the past two years. The State Senate has been in Republican hands for quite some time, but now we are only two seats away from obtaining a majority there. Thanks to the generosity of Tom Golisano, campaigning against Republicans in several key races is looking fantastic from here on out.

From The Capitol:

The maverick billionaire and three-time gubernatorial candidate will next week travel to Albany to announce a plan to form a 527 political action committee to support candidates in State Senate races across New York.

A source familiar with Golisano’s thinking said the former gubernatorial candidate plans to spend $1 million of his own money on behalf of each candidate he supports. This includes targeting several incumbents, including at least one who was not previously in danger. Golisano could also potentially involve himself in contested Assembly primaries.

The source said Golisano plans on supporting candidates who share his agenda of reforming Albany, reforming the state budget and promoting economic development upstate, particularly in the region around Buffalo which he calls home.[...]

Golisano will be supporting Erie County Legislator Kathy Konst (D) in her bid to unseat State Sen. Dale Volker (R-Erie), former boxer Joe Mesi (D) in his primary bid to succeed retiring Sen. Mary Lou Rath (R-Erie) and former State Sen. Rick Dollinger (D-Monroe) in his bid to unseat Sen. Joe Robach (R-Monroe), though Golisano is unlikely to announce these specific candidates at his press conference next week.

This is certainly an interesting development with a huge infusion of cash into the State Senate races this year. Although the source says Golisano is going to be bipartisan about it, the Democratic party is highly favored here. Despite his emphasis on upstate, even downstate Dems like Dan Squadron could become privy to Golisano's efforts. The article hints at a possible boost to the campaigns of Henry and Newell who are challenging Speaker Silver.

All of this comes from what seems to be a quest to introduce "good" into our state government. Reform is crucial to opening up Albany and if Golisano is sincere about this, then more power to him. His history with the GOP was brief in 2006, but by and large he has been more associated with the Reform and Independence parties. The only way we can really tell is where he puts his money in this cycle.....and that could be happening soon.