Voter registration has skyrocketed across the country and a lot of it is attributable to the inspiration of Barack Obama and this pivotal election in our nation. Even here in New York, unprecedented numbers of new voters have made their intent to cast ballots known. While Obama has had a virtual lock on our 31 electoral votes, that doesn't mean other races that are in play won't be affected.
From Press Connects:
Republican voter advantages in some Senate districts where the GOP held healthy enrollment edges just two years ago have evaporated, enrollment statistics from the state Board of Elections show.
For example, Republicans in 2006 held a roughly 8,600 edge in enrollment over Democrats in Sen. James Alesi's 55th District, which covers the eastern Monroe County suburbs. But with more than 8,200 voters enrolling as Democrats since the last Senate election, the Republican lead is down to just about 500 voters as Alesi faces Democrat David Nachbar.
The 61st District, which is an open seat in western New York and a critical race for both parties, now has 5,800 fewer Republicans than it did in 2006. So instead of a 9,794 enrollment edge the GOP enjoyed, the lead is now about 4,100.
The differential in registered Republicans and Democrats is extremely important here and plays an important role in downticket races all across the country. Though that isn't the only influence the Presidential race has here. Polling throughout the year has shown great levels of enthusiasm in the Democratic ranks while Republicans are far from it with their not-so-stellar choice of John McCain. The more Republicans stay at home next week, the better things look for people like Joe Addabbo, Jim Gennaro, Joe Mesi and many others looking to turn the NY State Senate blue.
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