I just got done canvassing a nice chunk of District 15 for Jim Gennaro out here in Queens. The response has been extremely positive, but the race is too close to call. After nearly seventy years of Republican dominance, it is well past the time to make a change up in Albany but it can't come soon enough. We are down to just a two-seat differential and it could happen right here in this Borough. It is looking good here for Gennaro and Addabbo, but things are going great for Brian Foley out on Long Island as well. As the Daily News reports, it is within the Democrats grasp. So what does it all mean?
From New York Magazine:
ROCKEFELLER DRUG LAWS
They’d like to scale back the state’s mandatory sentencing for drug crimes, arguing that they’re unfair and target minorities. They’d reduce sentences for nonviolent, low-level offenders and expand judges’ discretion to order treatment instead of jail.[...]ABORTION
They’d establish the fundamental right of a woman to terminate her pregnancy prior to fetal viability and in later stages if the woman’s health is at risk.[...]CAMPAIGN FINANCE
They want to substantially lower political-contribution limits and close loopholes that allow donors to funnel money through limited-liability companies. Last year, Spitzer failed to cut a deal with Republicans that would have lowered the contribution limit for statewide candidates to $15,000 from $55,800. They’d revive Spitzer’s plan.[...]PAID FAMILY LEAVE
They want paid leave for employees tending to a sick family member or caring for a newborn. A leading proposal would provide about three months of $170-a-week leave and would be paid for with a small payroll deduction.
And that is just the beginning. There is so much we can do to change the way our state responds to its citizens and it starts with the election tomorrow. So if you have some spare time, come out to Queens or Long Island and volunteer your time. Hell, take a day off work and come canvassing and make phone calls. I promise you'll feel great at the end of the day knowing you helped affect change for New York, not to mention knowing that it helps increase the turn out for the overall vote, from the Presidential race on down.
|