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On the Issues: Presidential Candidate Comparison


election candidates

Click here to see the full list

Vice President

Vice President
Tim Kaine of Virginia. U.S. Senator, former Governor of Virginia, former Mayor of Richmond.
Vice President
Mike Pence of Indiana. Governor of Indiana, former member of the United States House of Represenatatives, where he was a leader of the Tea Party movement.
Vice President
William Weld of Massachusetts. Former Republican governor of Massachusetts 1991, former U.S. Senate candidate.
Vice President
Ajamu Baraka of Georgia. Human rights activist, founding executive director of the U.S. Human Rights Network.

 

Bio

Bio
Hillary Clinton, born in 1947, is most notable for serving as First Lady of the United States (1993-2001), a United States Senator from New York (2001-2009), and the United States Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013. She's known for, among other things, her push for national health care reform in 1993-1994 as First Lady.
Bio
Donald Trump, born in 1946, is a businessman, real estate mogul, and television personality. He has built further on the buisness empire started by his father and made a national name for his real estate and casino businesses, and as the host of The Apprentice.
Bio
Gary Johnson, born in 1953, founded what became one of the largest construction companies in New Mexico. Former governor of New Mexico, winning his longshot 1994 bid, serving two terms. Has long-favored small government. Also ran for President as the Libertarian Party nominee in 2012. He got 0.99% of the national vote that year.
Bio
Jill Stein, born in 1950, is a physician and activist whose biggest focus has been environmental and health issues. She was the Green Party Candidate for Governor of Massachusetts in 2002 and 2010, and the Green Party Candidate for President in 2012. She received 0.36% of the national vote that year.

 

Campaign Websites

 

Jobs

Jobs
Clinton wants to invest in infrastructure to bolster the economy, including in clean energy. She is also focused on modernizing the economy through manufacturing and technology. She advocates for an increase in the minimum wage to $12 an hour nationally, with room for states to go higher, and she wants equal pay for equal work.
Jobs
Trump believes that lower taxes and less regulation, as a whole, will bolster the economy. He believes the U.S. has agreed to bad trade deals, which he promises to renegotiate, that have led to lost American jobs to countries like Mexico and China. He promised to keep companies in the U.S. and to make American manufacturing great again.
Jobs
Johnson generally favors less regulation, though any regulation which reigns in harmful actors will stay, he says. He also believes that out-of-control spending has hurt the U.S. economy, and that this spending needs to be reigned in. He believes smaller and less government will allow the economy to flourish.
Jobs
Stein believes in "living-wage jobs for every American who needs work." Government would be the last resort employer under this plan. She also believes in a $15 minimum wage and the breaking up of banks that are "too big to fail." Key to Stein's, and the Green Party's, platform is a "Green New Deal," which aims to create jobs through the building of clean energy infrastructure, so that America relies on 100% clean energy by 2030.


Taxes

Taxes
"Hillary will implement a "fair share surcharge" on multi-millionaires and billionaires." She will also fight for measures like the Buffett Rule, so that wealthier individuals pay their fair share of taxes, she says. She also looks to close up any loopholes which benefit Wall Street, cut taxes for small businesses, and "provide tax relief to working families from the rising costs they face." A Clinton Administration will look to tax high-frequency trading on Wall Street.
Taxes
Trump believes lower taxes will help the economy. In particular, he believes that business taxes are too high, and that they need to be lowered so that they are competitive with the rest of the world. He believes that a simplified tax system will help. Like many Democrats, Trump believes in closing the carried interest loophole.
Taxes
Johnson proposes getting rid of tax loopholes, as well as double taxes on small businesses. He favors "the replacement of all income and payroll taxes with a single consumption tax that determines your tax burden by how much you spend, not how much you earn."
Taxes
Stein wants Wall Street corporations to pay their fair share in taxes. Also believes in a tax on companies that pollute. She believes in higher taxes for the wealthy, and lower taxes for the poor and middle class.

 

National Debt

National Debt
"From the Democratic Party Platform: ""We believe that by making those at the top and the largest corporations pay their fair share we can pay for ambitious progressive investments that create good-paying jobs and offer security to working families without adding to the debt."""
National Debt
"You never have to default because you print the money," Trump said at one time. He has also suggested at times that borrowing is not a problem and that the U.S. could renegotiate its debt.
National Debt
Johnson plans to veto any bill which results in deficit spending. He also touts his record of vetoing many bills as governor of New Mexico, vetos he said helped balance New Mexico's budget.
National Debt
Stein said on her campaign website in 2012 that she would reduce "the budget deficit by restoring full employment, cutting the bloated military budget, and cutting private health insurance waste."

 

Trade

Trade
Clinton has moved in her support for trade deals, and has a new rubric for them, saying they must provide jobs for Americans, not sacrifice U.S. security, and be good for American national and international priorities. She supported NAFTA in the past, but admits to troubling outcomes for American jobs, and after supporting the Trans-Pacific Partnership as it was in development, she has come out against the version put forward by the Obama Administration. On trade, she says she's held deals to "the same test. Will they create jobs in America? Will they raise incomes in America? And are they good for our national security?"
Trade
Trump has campaigned vocally against NAFTA, other past trade deals, and TPP. His vews on trade and the United States is best reflected in what he said at the Republican National Convention--"Americanism, not globalism, will be our credo."
Trade
Johnson generally supports NAFTA, TPP, and any other free trade agreements. He believes that any jobs lost to NAFTA while he was Governor of New Mexico were jobs that New Mexico didn't want anyway.
Trade
Stein believes that NAFTA and other similar agreements takes away jobs, hurts wages, and overall has negative economic impacts on Americans. She wants to "enact fair trade laws that benefits local workers and communities."

 

Immigration

Immigration
There are two major facets to Clinton's immigration plan: protect families and provide a pathway to citizenship. She says that comprehensive immigration reform is desperately needed.
Immigration
Trump promises no amnesty to undocumented immigrants and promises mass deportations, though at times he has appeared to soften some of his stances. His major campaign promise is to end illegal immigration and to institute "extreme vetting" of individuals, especially refugees, seeking entrance into the country. He talks about having a secure border and promises to build a wall along the southern border that he promises Mexico will pay for. He has also questioned birthright citizenship.
Immigration
Johnson desn't believe that immigration is as simple as building a wall. "We should focus on creating a more efficient system of providing work visas, conducting background checks, and incentivizing non-citizens to pay their taxes, obtain proof of employment, and otherwise assimilate with our diverse society," his website says.
Immigration
"Create a welcoming path to citizenship for immigrants" is posted on Stein's website. Past policy positions also indicates that she is not in favor of the mass deportation of people which has happened under President Obama and promised to a greater degree by Trump.

 

Health Care

Health Care
Clinton wants to defend, tweak, and expand, but not repeal, Obamacare. She praises how many more people have become insured, but she wants to get costs down.
Health Care
Trump promises to repeal Obamacare, and replace it with something far better. He says health care companies must be allowed to sell policies across state lines. He also wants transparency with health care costs and providers, and to "allow individuals to fully deduct health insurance premium payments from their tax returns under the current tax system." He argues for increased competitive, not government regulation of health care. Trump has also said that everyone deserves health care.
Health Care
Generally speaking, Johnson is in favor of repealing Obamacare. He believes that free market competition will do the best job of covering health care for people.
Health Care
Stein believes in a Medicare for All system.

 

The Environment

The Environment
Clinton will encourage clean energy: "Launch a $60 billion Clean Energy Challenge to partner with states, cities, and rural communities to cut carbon pollution and expand clean energy, including for low-income families." "Invest in clean energy infrastructure, innovation, manufacturing and workforce development to make the U.S. economy more competitive and create good-paying jobs and careers."
The Environment
Trump does not discuss the environment much. He has called climate change a hoax. And, he believes that the Environmental Protection Agency has too many regulations.
The Environment
Johnson places emphasis on protection of National Parks and wants the Environmental Protection Agency to "focus on its true mission." He also believes in regulations to protect from pollutors, but also believes that the government meddles too much in deciding which companies determine the future of clean energy.
The Environment
Stein and the Green Party are, historically, especially focused on the environment. The Green New Deal looks to have the U.S. be on 100% clean energy by 2030. Stein wants to end use of fossil fuels and any support thereof. She places a special emphasis on protecting ecosystems, and strengthening environmental justice laws.

 

Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy
Clinton believes that the United States should defend its allies, push for diplomacy whenever possible, and be firm but not overaggressive with rivals such as China, Russia, and Iran. She is known as an interventionist, but has also spent time negotiating peace deals as Secretary of State. Her vote in favor of the Iraq War as a U.S. Senator is one that she has long been criticized for and has herself called a mistake.
Foreign Policy
Trump has an "America First" foreign policy, based on protecting the interests of the United States above all else, not meddling in other countries' affairs, protecting American security and jobs, seemingly no matter what it takes to do so. Trump has promised an aggressive approach with Mexico and illegal immigration, China and currency manipulation, and the Middle East and wars in the region. Trump has been criticized and questioned for an apparent coziness with Vladimir Putin of Russia, which he has denied.
Foreign Policy
Johnson believes that the U.S. meddles too much in foreign affairs and wars, and that needs to stop. He believes in fixing the problems that exist at home, while at the same time building relationships with allies abroad. Johnson has struggled with discussing foreign affairs on the campaign trail.
Foreign Policy
Stein wants to focus on diplomacy whenever possible, but also the punishment of abusers of human rights. Those human rights abusers include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, she says.

 

Combatting ISIS

ISIS
Clinton looks to support counter-terrorism law enformcement with the tools they need, and an increase of the airstrike campaign against ISIS in the Middle East. She has called for an "intelligence surge" to help the U.S. in its efforts against ISIS and other foreign threats.
ISIS
Generally speaking, Trump calls for a very aggressive military approach to ISIS, at times using expletives to explain his plan to bomb its forces and strongholds. He has repeatedly called for destroying oil fields that ISIS may have access to. But it is unclear to what extent he will pursue these strategies because he has not released as many plans regarding ISIS. Trump says U.S. leaders are foolish in telegraphing their military plans and that he will not divulge his. He has repeatedly insulted both U.S. political and military leaders.
ISIS
Johnson believes that the "meddling" of past administrations, Republican and Democrat, have created the monster that is ISIS. He has not shown a particular adeptness at discussing foreign affairs or presenting a plan to help eliminate threats from ISIS.
ISIS
Stein says little about ISIS, but overall she is calling for the U.S. to not be engaged in war and foreign intervention.

 

Gun Control

Gun Control
Clinton has made gun control a focus of her campaign; calling for expanding background checks, and keeping "guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, other violent criminals, and the severely mentally ill." Clinton has said she believes in the Second Amendment and responsible gun ownership, but that she wants to do more to keep guns out of the wrong hands.
Gun Control
Trump is pro-gun ownership and has promised to defend the Second Amendment. He believes that current gun regulations are a failure, and that background checks need to be fixed because it seems like criminals don't go through background checks.
Gun Control
Johnson does not believe in increasing gun regulations. He is of the mind that if you take guns away only outlaws and criminals will have guns.
Gun Control
Stein believes that the ownership of guns should be regulated for the sake of public safety.

 

Justice Reform

Justice Reform
Clinton supports legislation to end any form of racial profiling. She wants law enforcement to focus on violent crimes and not petty ones like possession of marijuana. National guidelines should be brought in on use of force, she says, and body cameras should be provided to every police department in the United States. She has regularly spoken about the need to improve community-police relationships and about incidents of police brutality against people of color. And, she believes in ending the use of private prisons.
Justice Reform
Trump calls himself the "Law and Order candidate," though as to what that means in terms of policy is unclear, though he has advocated for a robust stop-and-frisk policy nationwide based on what he sees as its success in New York City. Trump often talks about the need to support and respect police.
Justice Reform
Johnson believes that all unnecessary laws should be taken out so that not as many things are criminalized. He also believes that there should be an end to the "War on Drugs."
Justice Reform
Stein wants to end police brutality and de-militarize the police. She, like Johnson, wants to end the War on Drugs. She also proposes that drug addictions are treated like a health problem, not a criminal one.

 

Education

Education
Clinton supports the Common Core learning standards. She also believes in universal pre-kindergarten, college education that is debt free, and free tuition at all community colleges. She also looks to end overly punitive policies against students at schools and has discussed doing more for English Language Learners.
Education
Trump rejects Common Core and believes that education decisions, as a whole, should be left up to states. He therefore wants to completely abolish the Department of Education.
Education
Johnson rejects Common Core and believes that education decisions should be left to the states. He also wants to abolish the Department of Education because he believes that the federal government has no right to be involved with education decisions.
Education
Stein is not supportive of Common Core or standardized testing (and thinks curricula should be designed by educators). She prefers evaluation of teachers done by fellow professionals. She supports tuition-free, and debt-free, education through all four years of college.

 

LGBTQ Rights

LGBTQ Rights
Clinton pushes for full rights for LGBTQ people, in the United States and around the world. Clinton has 'evolved' fairly quickly on related issues, like marriage equality.
LGBTQ Rights
Trump vows to protect LGBTQ citizens and has had several particularly significant moments, including at the Republican National Convention, around promoting and protecting LGBTQ rights. He has not stated personal support for same-sex marriage, but says that it is the law of the land and that it should be protected as such.
LGBTQ Rights
Johnson believes that the government should not be in the business of telling people who to marry. He therefore does not look to restrict same-sex marriage, and in fact he cites this non-government interference idea as a major reason why he supported same-sex marriage before many liberals did the same.
LGBTQ Rights
Stein says that she will seek to end all forms of discrimination against the LGBTQ community.

 

Abortion

Abortion
Clinton looks to protect the reproductive rights of all women and protecting a woman's right to choose to have an abortion. She is also proud of her endorsement from Planned Parenthood.
Abortion
Trump calls himself "pro-life" and at times has called for the defunding of Planned Parenthood. However he has at times touted a number of services that Planned Parenthood provides, and earlier in his life he considered himself "pro-choice." He has explained an 'evolution' on the issue. Trump has said that if he appoints several Supreme Court justices it is likely that Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Abortion
Johnson believes that abortion is a deeply personal choice, and that as such the governnment should not be in the business of deciding who does or does not get abortions.
Abortion
Stein views reproductive freedom as a key facet of tackling women's rights issues. She also wants to expand access to the "morning after" pill.

 

Supreme Court Vacancies

Supreme Court Vacancies
The Supreme Court, in Clinton's eyes, should help protect women's rights and LGBTQ rights, and overturn the Citizens United case. She has not committed to renominate President Obama's SCOTUS pick, Merrick Garland, for the currently vacant seat.
Supreme Court Vacancies
Trump has stressed that the Supreme Court must protect the Second Amendment in particular, as it would be under threat, he says, if Clinton is elected President. Trump's SCOTUS nominees would be pro-life and more conservative in nature, he has said, pointing to recently-deceased Justice Antonin Scalia as a model.
Supreme Court Vacancies
Johnson would use potential nominees' positions on cases such as Kelo v. City of New London (a 2005 case on the issue of eminent domain) and others related to key issues for Libertarians to determine who he might nominate to the SCOTUS.
Supreme Court Vacancies
Stein would nominate justices to the SCOTUS who would overturn Citizens United and help restrict the flow of corporate money into politics.

 

Campaign Finance Reform

Campaign Finance Reform
Clinton supports an overturn of Citizens United to limit the impact of money in politics. She also wants legislation which will "require outside groups to publicly disclose significant political spending." Her other piece of suggested reform is to start a "small-donor matching system for presidential and congressional elections to give small donors greater influence."
Campaign Finance Reform
Trump has described Political Action Committees (PACs) as a "horrible thing" because he feels that PACs lack transparency. Trump has also claimed that politicians do favors for donors, citing his own experience as a donor. He does not promote, though, public financing of campaigns.
Campaign Finance Reform
Johnson believes that spending in campaigns, including from unions and corporations, is perfectly allowable. Any restrictions on campaign finance would be a limit to free speech, in Johnson's opinion.
Campaign Finance Reform
Stein wants an overturn of the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court case. She believes that corporations should not be allowed to fund political campaigns, but believes that there should instead be public funding of campaigns.
***
by Brendan Birth and Ben Max
@GothamGazette
 
Feedback? Email Ben at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Week Ahead in New York Politics, October 31


New York City Hall

New York City Hall


What to watch for this week in New York politics:

While there's a lot happening in city politics, we're also on the verge of one week until Election Day. The presidential race continues to be turbulent and New York-centric in many ways. Watch as Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump campaign across key battleground states leading up to Election Day, at which point both will hold election night events in Manhattan.

Meanwhile, there are a variety of other races in New York -- one Senate race, in which Senator Charles Schumer is expected to cruise to re-election; many House races -- some of which will help determine if the Democrats can pick up seats and near or take the majority; and all of the state Legislature: 150 Assembly seats, 63 state Senate seats. Read our rundown of key New York races to watch in both the House and the state Senate, where Democrats are also hoping to pick up seats that will give them a chance at the majority.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo made additional endorsements of Democratic candidates in New York over the weekend, including for George Latimer for State Senate and Tom Suozzi for Congress.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has stayed out of New York races, only campaigning for Hillary Clinton for President -- he did so again on Sunday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before that, on Saturday, de Blasio marked the four year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy on Staten Island. De Blasio begins his week with four public events, including a morning radio appearance and an evening TV appearance -- see below for details (the TV appearance, on NY1, is de Blasio's first of a new weekly segment, "Mondays with the Mayor,").

There are a number of interesting events to be aware of this week, from panel discussion to City Council hearings. See below for the day-by-day rundown.

***Do you have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics?
e-mail Gotham Gazette editor Ben Max: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.***

The run of the week in detail:

Monday
Monday is Halloween. 

Mayor de Blasio has four public events on his Monday schedule:

  • At 8:05 a.m., Mayor de Blasio will appear live on 710 WOR.
  • At 4 p.m., “the Mayor will hold public hearings for, and sign, ten pieces of legislation - Intros. 251-A, 551-A, 552-A, requiring the creation of an additional City form to include voluntary and anonymous questions around gender, sexuality, language spoken, ancestry and ethnic origin; Intro 1011-A, in relation to mandating that whenever a food service worker is displaced due to a change in ownership or a transfer of contract, the new owner or contractor must retain the worker for 90 days; Intros. 1160-A, 1163-A and 1165-A, in relation to energy benchmarking, lighting retrofitting, and sub-metering requirements for mid-size buildings; Intros. 728-B and 959-B, in relation to reporting on the NYPD Patrol Guide and hate crime statistics; and Intro. 1282, in relation to authorizing an increase to annual assessment and spending in eight business improvement districts and two special assessment districts.”
  • At 6 p.m., “the Mayor and First Lady Chirlane McCray will march in the Park Slope Halloween Parade.”
  • And, during the 7 p.m. hour, Mayor de Blasio will appear on NY1’s Inside City Hall in a taped appearance.

At the City Council on Monday:

  • The Committee on General Welfare will meet at 10 a.m. to discuss oversight on “child abuse cases and the various city touchpoints for families.” City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito will deliver opening remarks, per her public schedule.
  • The Committee on Housing and Buildings will meet at 10 a.m. to discuss several proposed laws. Ahead of this hearing, City Council Members Dan Garodnick, Jumaane Williams, Ben Kallos, and possibly others, will be participating in a press conference on the steps of City Hall with members of Stabilizing NYC, Stand for Tenant Safety, and the Coalition Against Predatory Equity in support of the bills being heard, which are aimed at reducing tenant harassment and stopping predatory equity.

At 11 a.m. Monday City Council Members Margaret Chin and Daniel Dromm, with “Arab American, Asian Pacific Islander, Indo-Carribean, Latino, and LGBTQ community leaders will gather at the steps of City Hall...to celebrate the data equity legislation that Mayor de Blasio will sign into law later that day.  The three bills, Intros 251-A (Dromm), 551-A (Chin), 552-A (Dromm), allow New Yorkers to accurately identify their race, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation on many important city forms...these bills will help ensure that city agencies are equipped to meet the needs of all New Yorkers...ensuring that everyone is counted and that City services reach people who need them the most.”

At 11 a.m. Monday, Gov. Cuomo and many others will attend the funeral of New York State Trooper Timothy Pratt, in South Glens Falls.

At 1 p.m. on Monday, the NYC Department of City Planning will hold a review session.

At 1:15 p.m. Monday, Comptroller Scott Stringer will make an announcement on minority and women-owned businesses.

At 4 p.m., Mark-Viverito will attend the La Marqueta Halloween event.

At 4:30 p.m. Monday at the Claremont Neighborhood Center in the Bronx, “Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will host youth of all ages as they enjoy an evening of fun, music, candy and haunted festivities at his annual Pumpkinfest & Halloween Spooktacular!” 

Tuesday
Tuesday is one week until Election Day.

At 8 a.m. Tuesday, “City & State’s Borough 50 Series will recognize top 50 community leaders from Queens at a breakfast.”

At 8 a.m. Tuesday, Crain’s New York will hold “Crain’s 2016 New York City Summit: Getting Ready for 9 Million New Yorkers.” Mayor de Blasio will deliver keynote remarks. The summit will include several panels: on housing, moderated by Kathryn Wylde of Partnership for New York City; on jobs, including Gregg Bishop, commissioner of the city’s Department of Small Business Services; and on transportation, including MTA Chair Thomas Prendergast and city Department of Transportation commissioner Polly Trottenberg and moderated by Richard Ravitch.

At noon Tuesday at 1 Police Plaza, "the Mayor and Police Commissioner O’Neill will host a press conference to discuss crime statistics...After, the Mayor will join the NYPD for a coordination group tabletop exercise for the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon."

At the City Council on Tuesday:

  • The Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises will meet at 9:30 a.m.
  • The Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting and Maritime Uses will meet at 11 a.m.
  • The Subcommittee on Planning, Dispositions and Concessions will meet at 1 p.m.
  • The Committee on Small Business will meet at 2 p.m. for a tour of The Pfizer Building in Brooklyn.

On Tuesday at 12:30 p.m., Comptroller Scott Stringer will host a roundtable with minority and women-owned business leaders, at Compulink Technologies Inc. on West 39th Street.

At 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, the New York City Board of Elections will hold its Commissioners’ Meeting.

At 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, "Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams will unveil more than half a million dollars in new investments from Brooklyn Borough Hall’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget to advance public safety and community-police relations in the borough. He will make the announcement at the New York City Police Department (NYPD)’s 90th Precinct Station House in Williamsburg, home to an innovative partnership that offers an alternative to suspension for local students facing school disciplinary action through mentorship and tutoring from police officers; this program, NYC Together, is receiving funding from Borough President Adams to outfit a multimedia learning center for use inside the precinct."

At 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the New York City Voter Assistance Advisory Committee (VAAC) will hold a public meeting.

At 6 p.m. Tuesday, there will be a hearing on the de Blasio administration’s proposed changes to the deed restriction removal process, as announced: to “add a new Chapter 16 to Title 43 of the Rules of the City of New York, setting forth review procedures for the modification or removal of certain deed restrictions.” The hearing will take place at 125 Worth Street. Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer is among those who will testify.

At 6 p.m. Tuesday, ABNY Young Professionals and Tech:NYC will co-host “New Approaches Towards Public Safety: A Conversation on Community Policing.” Deborah Archer (New York Law School Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Impact Center for Public Interest Law), City Council Member Jumaane Williams, Elizabeth Glazer (Director of the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice), and Jose Lopez (Organizing Director at Make the Road New York) will participate.

At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña will attend a town hall meeting of District 23’s Community Education Council, at Brooklyn Collegiate.

On Tuesday at 6:45 p.m., Public Advocate Letitia James will attend the "5th Avenue Key Food Community Meeting" in Brooklyn.

Wednesday
At the City Council on Wednesday: The Committee on Public Safety will meet at 10 a.m. discuss several proposed laws which would modify the Nuisance Abatement Law.

At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, the NYC Planning Commission will hold a public meeting.

At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy will hold “The Future of Charter Schools on their 25th Anniversary.” On the anniversary of the first charter school law being passed in Minnesota, the speakers will discuss the future of charters. Expert panelists will speak with Dr. David Steiner, executive director, Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy.

At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) will hold “Domestic Policy in the 2016 Presidential Election: What's at Stake?” Discussion will “reflect on the stakes of the election from the perspectives of criminal justice, energy, education, social welfare and urban policy, and what Clinton and Trump administrations might do differently in each of these domains.” Panelists will include Professor Patricia Culligan; Professor Jeffrey Fagan; Professor Ester R. Fuchs; Professor Jeffrey Henig; Michael A. Nutter, former Mayor of Philadelphia; and David N. Dinkins, SIPA professor and former Mayor of New York City. The event will be moderated by Professor Alexander Hertel-Fernandez.

At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Brooklyn Historical Society will hold “Breaking the Segregated Schools Cycle.”

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, there will be “A Public Summit for The Future of Penn Station,” hosted at The Museum of the City of New York, co-hosted as well by The Transit Museum and Untapped Cities. This discussion “will seek to move beyond criticizing the current station and focus on identifying elements of a successful long-term vision.”

Thursday
At the City Council on Thursday: The Committee on Land Use will meet at 11 a.m.

On Thursday, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony “to mark the opening of a legal clinic for pro se litigants that is being staffed by the New York Legal Assistance Group.” 

At 8 a.m. Thursday, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce will have its “Best in the Business Awards Breakfast.” This event “celebrates the business leaders in New York City, who have built outstanding businesses - contributing to the economy and community as well.” This event “celebrates the business leaders in New York City, who have built outstanding businesses - contributing to the economy and community as well.” Kathryn Wylde of Partnership for New York City; Hank Williams of Platform; Maisha Walker of Message Medium; Infor; and Uber are the honorees.

On Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will host a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Town Hall to discuss a variety of NYCHA-related issues.

On Thursday at 6:30 p.m., the Yale Alumni Nonprofit Alliance and the Gray Panthers of NYC will hold a forum on “Ageism and Why it Matters.” There will be a “conversation about the pervasive effects of “ageism” in our personal AND work lives.”

Friday and the weekend
At 8:30 a.m. on Friday, the New York City Food Policy Center will host a discussion of “The Power of Community Gardens in New York City.” This event is meant for participants to “learn about community gardens and their role in community and economic development; discuss the intersection between race, food, and social justice; and gain an increased understanding of the state of community gardens in NYC.” The panelists include Bill Losasso (Director of GreenThumb), Aziz Dehkan (Executive Director of the New York City Community Garden Coalition), Steve Frillmann (Executive Director of Green Guerillas), and Lenny Librizzi (Director of Green Infrastructure at GrowNYC).

This is GOTV - get out the vote - weekend for Tuesday's elections. People across New York and the rest of the country will be knocking on doors, making calls, handing out flyers, and more in order to see their preferred candidate(s) win on Election Day. 

***
Have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics? E-mail Gotham Gazette executive editor Ben Max any time: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (please use "For Week Ahead" as email subject).

***
by Brendan Birth and Ben Max
@GothamGazette

Key Congressional & State Senate Races in New York Will Shape Chamber Control


Teachout Faso

Zephyr Teachout (D), left, & John Faso (R), debate in NY19


As Election Day draws near, presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have debated three times and are in the home stretch of the campaign -- as are Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein. This election has shaped up to be like none other. When another round of revelations about Trump’s past recently emerged, in the forms of a tape of Trump bragging about unwanted sexual touching and new sexual assault allegations against him, which he has denied, Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said he was re-focusing efforts toward winning Congressional elections, and away from the presidential race.

As Ryan and many others have indicated, there is in fact a great deal more on the line November 8 than the Presidency -- Republicans currently hold majorities in both houses of Congress, and many state houses. Democrats are hoping that not only does Hillary Clinton’s lead in the polls translate to victory for her, but that they are able to pick up enough seats to at least swing the U.S. Senate, if not the House of Representatives, too. Even President Barack Obama, enjoying high popularity as an outgoing president, is escalating his efforts to flip or hold swing districts by taping television ads and robocalls for several Democratic candidates and endorsing 30 more House candidates this week. Republicans are trying to hold on to their majorities in similar fashion.

There are currently 46 Democrats in the Senate -- including two independents who caucus with Democrats -- and 54 Republicans. Thirty-four of the 100 Senate seats on the ballot this year across the country (Senators serve staggered six-year terms). There are six Senate contests considered toss-ups where Democrats are likely to gain seats, while Republicans will likely win one currently Democratic seat, according to entities like Cook Political Report and Rothenberg Political Report, among others.

All of the House of Representatives’ 435 seats are up for election, as they are every two years. Democrats currently hold 188 seats to Republicans’ 247. There are dozens of swing districts, including several in New York, and Democrats are poised to pick up a number of seats, though few think it will be enough to take the majority.

In New York, there are several swing House districts that will factor into the final equation. Also in New York, Republican leadership of the state Senate is at stake, and there are a handful of swing districts where the votes will determine whether Republicans or mainline Democrats have the upper hand in negotiating a coalition government with the Senate’s Independent Democratic Caucus. 

While the entire New York State Legislature -- all 63 Senate and 150 Assembly seats -- and every House seat is up for election, one of the state’s two U.S. Senate seats is also on the ballot: Senator Charles Schumer, a Democrat, is seeking reelection, facing Republican Wendy Long. The state Senate is New York Republicans’ only stronghold in statewide government, as all six statewide elected positions (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, and two U.S. Senators) are all held by Democrats. The state Assembly is overwhelmingly Democratic.

GOP candidates, including New Yorkers running for the House and state Senate, are largely on the defensive this cycle as many struggle to stay out of the shadow of Trump, whose candidacy has been marred by scandals, a lack of message discipline, and infighting with Republican establishment leaders. Many Republicans are conflicted over how they should associate themselves with Trump: whether to condemn some of his remarks and behavior and revoke any endorsement, but risk losing support from their voting base, or to support party nominee for President and risk losing some moderate Republicans, swing voters, and independents.

The U.S. House has been under Republican majority 18 of the last 22 years, and in order to flip it, Democrats need to win 30 additional seats while holding on to the ones they currently control. The New York state Senate has a somewhat similar story: Republicans have controlled the chamber for most of several decades. It is not completely clear how many added seats mainline Democrats need to win because of the six-member IDC and Sen. Simcha Felder, a Democrat who caucuses with Republicans. The margin is only one or two seats at this time.

As Gotham Gazette recently reported, mainline Democrats and the IDC have improved their relationship and may soon be discussing a partnership -- much will depend on the power offered to IDC leader Jeff Klein.

As they attempt to swing seats, Democrats have their eyes particularly trained on Long Island, where Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, campaigned for Senate candidates this week; the Capital Region, and the Hudson Valley. In several cases, sitting Republicans are vacating their seats or Republican incumbents are uniquely vulnerable. When it comes to House races in New York, it is a similar story: regions closest to Democrat-heavy New York City are home to swing districts, while many Upstate communities are Republican strongholds. 

Within New York City, there were quite a few competitive party primaries as Democrats faced off, but the general election features largely non-contests -- in many instances, there is no or only a token Republican on the ballot. The same goes for congressional seats representing New York City.

But, there are major New York City interests at stake in races outside the city: both for the state Senate and the U.S. House, not to mention the Presidency. New York City effort and money is flowing into races across the state, while some New Yorkers also make calls and knock on doors in swing states for their favorite presidential candidate.

Below, a list of key swing races for the House and the state Senate in New York, with additional resources for more information: 

Congressional District 19 - Zephyr Teachout (D), John Faso (R)
The race for the mid-Hudson Valley’s 19th congressional district is arguably the most high-profile congressional race in New York this election cycle. In a race to replace retiring Rep. Chris Gibson, a Republican, the contest is between former gubernatorial candidate, campaign finance reform advocate, and Fordham Law professor Zephyr Teachout, a Democrat, and former minority leader of the state Assembly and also a former candidate for governor, John Faso, a Republican.

Teachout, who challenged Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the 2014 Democratic gubernatorial primary, is among other progressive congressional candidates endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders. She has recently gained the support of President Obama as well. Faso boasts the support of Rep. Gibson, a major endorsement due to Gibson’s popularity. 

Outside money has been flowing into this race, like others, with much of it attacking Teachout. Faso has sought to portray her as a carpetbagger with ultra-liberal New York City values while Teachout attaches Faso to trickle-down economics and a broken campaign finance system. A final televised debate on Monday night displayed sharp disagreements over trade agreements (though they both reject the Trans-Pacific Partnership), large financial institutions, property taxes, water contamination, Hudson River anchorages, and rebuilding infrastructure covering local, state, and national issues.

The race is neck-and-neck, according to a Siena poll released September 27, which showed Faso at 43 percent to Teachout’s 42 percent, with a margin of error of +/- 3.8%, and many voters still undecided. 

For more on the race in Congressional District 19:
John Faso and Zephyr Teachout air differences in congressional race - The Troy Record
Candidates debate on Time Warner Cable - Monday October 24, TWC
Upstate, a ‘Classic Boxers’ Match’ That Is Virtually Tied - The New York Times
National House profile rises as Faso, Teachout vie - Albany Times Union
Spending in Faso-Teachout House race tops $8.5 million - Poughkeepsie Journal 

Congressional District 24 - John Katko (R), Colleen Deacon (D)
Colleen Deacon, a Democrat and former regional director for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, is challenging incumbent Rep. John Katko, a first-term Republican, in New York’s 24th congressional district representing all of Cayuga, Onondaga, and Wayne counties, and the western part of Oswego County. While Katko had a seemingly insurmountable lead of 19 points heading into the last few weeks of the election, the district, which includes Syracuse, is relatively Democratic, and opposition to Trump could push Deacon to a come-from-behind victory, according to The New York Times

Katko positions himself as a “strong and independent leader” championing national security, job growth, and an end to Common Core in public schools, according to his campaign website. Deacon appeals to voters as someone who “understands the struggles of Central New Yorkers,” advocating for ending the gender wage gap, pushing for comprehensive family leave, and addressing the opioid crisis, according to her site.

Deacon is among other House candidates whose received an endorsement from President Obama this week. Emily’s List and other progressive political action groups are emailing their supporters to solicit donations for Deacon’s campaign as well. According to Politico, the Democratic Party is also taking advantage of a legal loophole to direct millions of extra dollars to congressional candidates, including Deacon, bypassing usual limits on coordinated spending between parties and candidates.

For more on the race in Congressional District 24:
Live Q&A today with Rep. John Katko on race for Congress - Syracuse.com
Dems use loophole to pump millions into fight for the House - Politico
Poll: John Katko opens 19-point lead over Colleen Deacon in race for Congress - Syracuse.com
Katko Leads Deacon 53-34% Five Weeks Out - Siena College Poll

Congressional District 3 - Jack Martins (R),  Tom Suozzi (D)
Republican State Senator Jack Martins has been a rising star in the state Legislature. He’s been expected to move up in GOP leadership, though he has gone against the wishes of his party by running to replace retiring Rep. Steve Israel, a Democrat, in District 3 on Long Island. The move by Martins creates a void in the state Senate, where Republicans are desperately trying to maintain their majority. New York’s 3rd Congressional District is also seen as a swing district, as with most of Long Island.

Roll Call reports that the National Republican Congressional Committee has revoked funding for Martins’ campaign amid public polling numbers showing the Republican candidate losing big: Siena College has Martins’ down by 16 points in a poll released on October 8. Democratic nominee Tom Suozzi, a former Nassau County executive, appears headed toward victory -- and he has just received an endorsement from President Barack Obama -- but anything can happen.

The candidates have agreed on the need to combat political gridlock in Washington through bipartisanship, with both candidates touting their records for doing so. While the candidates have also agreed on a need for more gun control and support for the state of Israel, they’ve differed over healthcare and immigration reform.

For more on the race in Congressional District 3:
Suozzi battles Martin in final stretch for Israel’s seat - Times Ledger
GOP Poll Shows Tight Race in New York District NRCC Has Abandoned - Roll Call
NY Senate GOP wants Martins to bypass congressional run - New York Daily News
Tom Suozzi leads Jack Martins by 16: Newsday poll - The Island Now
Trump Could Tip Key Races for State Senate Control - Gotham Gazette
Senate Republicans Face Departures with Battle for Control Looming - Gotham Gazette 

Congressional District 1 - Lee Zeldin (R), Anna Throne-Holst (D)
Long Island Rep. Lee Zeldin, a Republican, is facing Democratic challenger Anna Throne-Holst in the race for New York’s 1st Congressional District seat. Zeldin, who is in his first two-year term, holds a sizeable lead, 53 to 38 percent, according to a Newsday/Siena College poll released October 8.

Environmental concerns over protecting the vulnerable East End of Long Island from rising sea levels and storms like Hurricane Sandy have become topics of debate for the two candidates. Throne-Holst wants to make gun control an issue as well, having hosted a separate forum specifically focusing on the topic and releasing a related television ad. The candidates have also differentiated themselves over the Affordable Care Act and creating a path to citizenship for immigrants. The two candidates held a heated forum answering questions about environmental protection, gun violence, and Donald Trump, whom Zeldin supports. 

Emily’s List and other progressive political action groups are emailing their supporters to solicit donations for Throne-Holst’s campaign, having identified the district as a place where Democrats can flip a seat. Though Throne-Holst is not included in the list of House candidates whom President Obama has endorsed.

For more on the race in Congressional District 1:
Zeldin leads Throne-Holst in 1st District, Newsday poll shows - Newsday
Congressional Candidates Show Their Environmental Stripes - East End Beacon
Congressional candidate hosts forum on gun violence - News 12 Long Island
Not Hillary and Donald, It’s Anna and Lee - East Hampton Star

Congressional District 21 - Elise Stefanik (R), Mike Derrick (D), Matt Funiciello (G)
A partisan poll conducted earlier this month on behalf of the National Republican Congressional Committee shows first-term Rep. Elise Stefanik leading her Democratic challenger Mike Derrick 54 to 29 percent in the race for New York’s 21st Congressional District. Still, the top House Republican Super PAC and other conservative groups have continued to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into Stefanik’s campaign, according to Politico, suggesting concern about the race and the need to keep the seat Red.

Stefanik, Derrick, and Green Party candidate Matt Funiciello shared a debate stage in early October. Key issues in the district include improving the economy and services for veterans, along with how to protect the district and the nation from the threats of terrorism. The candidates have also contrasted over trade, specifically Stefanik's support of the Trade Promotion Authority bill, which gives the president “fast-track” authority to negotiate trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and which Stefanik supported with her vote in Congress.

For more on the race in Congressional District 21:
New York's Elise Stefanik Holds Wide Lead in GOP Poll - Roll Call
NY-21: TWC News North Country Debate Showdown - NY-21 TWC News
Republicans rush to build firewall to save the House - Politico
GOP territory may lift Stefanik - Albany Times Union

Congressional District 22 - Kim Myers (D), Claudia Tenney (R), Martin Babinec (Reform)
Republican Rep. Richard Hanna is retiring in central New York’s 22nd Congressional District, opening the seat for three candidates to compete: Republican State Assemblymember Claudia Tenney, Democrat and minority leader of the Broome County Legislature Kim Myers, and a wealthy business entrepreneur, Martin Babinec, who won the Reform Party primary as a write-in candidate and has successfully petitioned to run as the Upstate Jobs Party candidate. 

The race for District 22 has been deemed one of the most competitive congressional elections in the nation by Cook Political Report. 

Progressive groups are buoying Myers’ campaign, having identified the district as a place where Democrats can flip a seat. According to a Time Warner Cable/Siena College poll released September 29, Tenney sits on a modest lead in the three-way race, with 35 percent to Myers’ 30 percent. Tenney is fighting a significant fundraising deficit, having raised $606,902 through September 30, compared with $1.4 million raised by Myers, and Babinec has put in $2.2 million of his own wealth. Still, the Upstate seat is in Republican hands and voters may keep it that way.

For more on the race in Congressional District 22:
22nd Congressional Debate in Hamilton - Oneida Daily Dispatch
Poll: Claudia Tenney leads in 3-way congressional race - Democrat & Chronicle
Money flows into 3-way race for Congress - Pressconnects
Oneida County Leaders Endorse Kim Myers - Madison County Courier
State’s top leaders endorse Kim Myers for Congress - Madison County Courier

STATE SENATE RACES TO WATCH

State Senate District 7 - Elaine Phillips (R), Adam Haber (D)
Republican State Senator Jack Martins decided to run for a seat in Congress despite the advice of fellow Senate Republicans, who asked Martins to stay in the state Legislature to protect their narrow majority. Now, Republican Elaine Phillips and Democrat Adam Haber are in a tight race for the open Long Island seat. Democrats outnumber Republicans in the district and Haber has out-raised Phillips, though Republicans hope Martins’ popularity will help carry the election in their favor -- he previously defeated Haber in the 2014 election by roughly 13 percent of the vote.

Wall Street and the financial crisis has become a hot item of debate, with both candidates attempting to connect the other to major financial institutions in a negative light. Anti-semitism has also come up, with Haber depicted in Fiddler on the Roof garb in an attack ad from an outside group. For his part, Haber released an ad in late September campaigning for environmental protection, improving local education, and bringing down property taxes.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo endorsed Haber and campaigned for him on Long Island on Monday. Phillips, meanwhile, has received several important endorsements including from nonpartisan environmental group League of Conservation Voters. As is the case with other Republican candidates on Long Island, which is naturally vulnerable to sea level rise, storms, and flooding, Phillips departs from party lines about the environment since a far majority of voters on Long Island believe in climate change and its threats.

For more on the race in State Senate District 7:
Trump Could Tip Key Races for State Senate Control - Gotham Gazette
Candidates challenge each other’s ties to Wall Street, financial crisis - New York Daily News
Phillips says race could determine control of Senate, influence of suburbs - The Island Now
Candidates clashed on their respective records in service at forum - The Island Now
Haber Decries Ad Depicting Him As Fiddler On The Roof - Talking Points Memo
Adam Haber releases new ad; Elaine Phillips touts endorsements - Newsday
Senate Republicans Face Departures with Battle for Control Looming - Gotham Gazette

State Senate District 49 – Jim Tedisco (R), Chad Putman (D)
Republican State Senator Hugh Farley decided to retire from the state Senate after serving voters in Schenectady and Saratoga counties since 1977 -- nearly 40 years. Farley tapped veteran GOP Assemblymember Jim Tedisco to replace him, while Democratic nominee Chad Putman declared his candidacy prior to the news of Farley stepping down. Putman has his work cut out for him: he’s never held public office, Republicans outnumber Democrats in the district, and Tedisco has major advantages of name recognition as an outspoken Assembly member and the support of a well-liked incumbent. Both candidates have focused on fighting corruption in Albany and been critical of Common Core education standards.

For more on the race in State Senate District 49:
Capital Region Republicans reject Trump comments, but not candidacy - The Daily Gazette
GOP, Democrats eye key races for control of New York Senate - The Saratogian
SD49 candidates weigh in on the Albany corruption case - The Daily Gazette
SD49 candidates criticise common core standards  - The Daily Gazette
Trump Could Tip Key Races for State Senate Control - Gotham Gazette
Senate Republicans Face Departures with Battle for Control Looming - Gotham Gazette

State Senate District 39 – Bill Larkin (R), Chris Eachus (D)
Democrat Chris Eachus overcame a spending deficit to come within three percentage points of defeating incumbent Republican State Senator Bill Larkin in 2012, though much has changed since then. Larkin has been under attack for taking two state pensions; writing a letter of support for former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos during his trial (Skelos was convicted on corruption changes); and controversy over a criminal investigation into the treasurer of his campaign committee. With Democratic voter enrollment in Orange County on the rise, Democrats are hoping this is the year to unseat Larkin, who has served 13 terms, but it won’t be easy.

Larkin appears to be in hiding -- he has skipped three joint appearances in just the last two weeks, according to the Times-Herald Record, including two debates and a candidates' forum held by a local law enforcement group. Eachus hasn’t been able to readily differentiate his own ethics standards, as the New York Daily News reports that the Democratic candidate failed to disclose $200,000 of outside income last year.

For more on the race in State Senate District 39:
Orange Co. Legislator Eachus again seeks to unseat state Sen. Larkin - Times Herald-Record
State Senate candidate calls for government reforms - Times Herald-Record
Trump Could Tip Key Races for State Senate Control - Gotham Gazette
Senate Republicans Face Departures with Battle for Control Looming - Gotham Gazette

State Senate District 9 - Todd Kaminsky (D), Chris McGrath (R)
Democratic State Senator Todd Kaminsky won his seat in the state Senate in a special election to replace Skelos in April, securing the only Democratically-held seat on Long Island. Now Kaminsky must again face Republican candidate Chris McGrath. Democrats are hoping the higher turnout for a presidential election cycle and Kaminsky’s popularity as a former federal prosecutor and Assembly member will be enough to again carry the election. Gov. Cuomo also campaigned with Kaminsky on Monday, praising his work to root out corruption.

For more on the race in State Senate District 9:
Cuomo endorses Kaminsky, Haber in state Senate runs - Newsday
Sen. Todd Kaminsky to run first TV ad in re-election campaign - Newsday
Trump Could Tip Key Races for State Senate Control - Gotham Gazette 

State Senate District 46 – George Amedore (R), Sara Niccoli (D)
Incumbent Republican State Senator George Amedore lost his seat in the state senate in 2012 by a margin of only 18 votes to Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk. Amedore won the seat back in 2014 by a wider margin. Now, he faces another tough re-election bid against Democratic nominee Sara Niccoli, a local government official, political activist, and sheep farmer with significant name recognition around the Capital Region, for a challenger.

At a debate this week, the two candidates agreed on the need for ethics reform in state government, but differed in how to address the issue. While Amedore called for term limits and a forfeiture of public pensions for officials convicted in corruption cases, Niccoli said campaign contributions are the root of the issue, calling out her competitor's ties to real estate developers, according to the Daily Freeman.

For more on the race in State Senate District 46:
Sen. George Amedore, R-Rotterdam, faces a challenge from Sara Niccoli - The Saratogian
SD46 included in another rundown of races to watch - City & State New York
Trump Could Tip Key Races for State Senate Control - Gotham Gazette

State Senate District 43 – Kathy Marchione (R), Shaun Francis (D)
Incumbent Republican State Senator and proud National Rifle Association member Kathy Marchione faces a general election contest from retired professional baseball umpire and labor organizer Shaun Francis. Francis has won support from notable Democrats like U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, who is also up for re-election, and fellow Democratic candidate for Congress Zephyr Teachout who is sharing office space with Francis in Hudson. Marchione is an embattled incumbent who has taken a lot of heat over her handling of the water quality crisis in Hoosick Falls, but she does hold the significant advantage of name recognition.

For more on the race in State Senate District 43:
Trump Could Tip Key Races for State Senate Control - Gotham Gazette
GOP, Democrats eye key races for control of New York Senate - The Saratogian
State Senate hopeful Francis earns Schumer endorsement - The Troy Record
Teachout, Francis open new Hudson campaign office - The Register-Star
Francis presses Marchione on Trump at candidate forum - Albany Times Union

State Senate District 37 – George Latimer (D), Julie Killian (R)
Incumbent Democratic State Senator George Latimer fended off a Republican challenger in 2014, winning that general election by 5 percent of the vote. Now he is facing Republican challenger Julie Killian in the contest for the lower Hudson Valley’s 37th District which encompases parts of Sound Shore, Eastchester, Yonkers and Bedford. Independents and minor party voters could play a role in deciding the contest, as they make up a significant number of voters in the district. Democrats have an enrollment advantage over Republicans in the district and Latimer’s campaign has substantially outraised Killian, though Killian is actually outspending Latimer.

Despite the Democratic advantage, the race has been characterized by accusations, such as a television ad for Killian that blames Latimer for ignoring women who’ve been sexually abused in Albany. The two candidates have made multiple appearances to debate one another, most recently on October 21, at which the candidates differentiated themselves over items like the state’s tax cap, which limits the amount local property taxes can be raised each year.

For more on the race in State Senate District 37:
37th NYS Senate district seat hotly contested race in Westchester - News 12 Westchester
Latimer, Killian face off in heated Senate race - The Journal News
Cuomo fundraises for Senate Dems, including Sen. George Latimer - PressConnects (Gannett)
SD37 included in a races to watch article - City & State New York

State Senate District 40 – Terrence Murphy (R), Ali Boak (D)
First-term State Senator Terrence Murphy, a Republican, faces Democratic nominee Ali Boak in the Hudson Valley’s District 40. Democrats benefit from a slight enrollment advantage in the district, though that hasn’t stopped Republicans from winning the seat in the last two election cycles. Republicans are spending big campaign dollars to keep Murphy securely in his seat. The Lower Hudson Valley Journal News identified five key issues where the candidates differentiate themselves: ethics reform, term limits for state legislators, control over the state senate, the opioid crisis, and the expansion of the Spectra pipeline.

For more on the race in State Senate District 40:
Ali Boak Calls On Terrence Murphy To 'Dump Trump' - Yorktown Daily Voice
40th state Senate race: Murphy vs. Boak - The Journal News
Senate GOP transferred $142,000 to Terrence Murphy’s campaign - PressConnects (Gannett)
Sen. Terrence Murphy of Yorktown is running for a second term - Poughkeepsie Journal

State Senate District 41 – Sue Serino (R), Terry Gipson (D)
The Hudson Valley has become a battleground for state Senate elections as well as congressional races and State Senate District 41 in Putnam and Dutchess counties is no exception. Republican State Senator Sue Serino, who is serving her first term in office, will face a re-match of the 2014 election against Democratic challenger Terry Gipson -- Serino won that election by less than 5 percent of the vote. Though the last time around Gipson had the incumbency advantage, having won the seat in 2012 through a three-candidate field with the Conservative Party abandoning veteran state Senator Steve Saland, a Republican, over his support for same-sex marriage. Serino and Gipson have had their fair share of disagreements over issues including ethics in campaign finance and Common Core. 

For more on the race in State Senate District 41:
Serino, Gipson disagree on Presidential race, ethics and Common Core - Poughkeepsie Journal
Gipson Seeks To Tie Serino With Trump In State Senate Race - Daily Voice
Senate Reps pump $180,000 into Sen. Sue Serino’s re-election bid - PressConnects (Gannett)
Dutchess County will see a replay of the 2014 race for the 41st District - Poughkeepsie Journal
Serino, Gipson debate SD41 issues at Dutchess Chamber breakfast - Daily Freeman 

State Senate District 5 – Carl Marcellino (R), James Gaughran (D)
Incumbent Republican state Senator Carl Marcellino has been representing Long Island residents in the state Senate since 1995. This year he faces a notable Democratic challenger, James Gaughran, a Suffolk County water commissioner who lost a race for Nassau County Comptroller in 2014. It’s been rumored by Politico, Newsday and others that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has sent $11,000 to Gaughran and will endorse the candidate in the District 5 race later this week as he is campaigning for other candidates on Long Island. 

Gaughran has gone after Marcellino over his record in the state Senate, specifically his vote against the Child Victims Act, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for cases of child sexual abuse and allow a one-year window for victims to revive old civil cases, according to the New York Daily News. More recently, Marcellino and other Long Island Republicans are coming under fire from their opponents for their association with Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, who were recently arrested on federal corruption charges.

For more on the race in State Senate District 5:
Cuomo endorses Kaminsky, Haber in state Senate runs - Newsday
State Sen. Reps hold up child-sex abuse victims bill slammed by Dems - New York Daily News
Ed Mangano’s corruption case is bad news for Republicans - New York Post

State Senate District 6 – Kemp Hannon (R), Ryan Cronin (D)
The race in Long Island’s District 6 is a rematch of the 2012 contest, in which state Senator Kemp Hannon, incumbent Republican first elected in 1989, defeated Democrat Ryan Cronin by fewer than 5,000 votes. Conservative interest groups are spending a lot of money to protect the seat. The New York Daily News reported that the Greater New York Hospital Association has formed a Super PAC that has spent nearly $200,000 on mail, digital ads, phone calls and campaign management supporting Hannon, who is the chair of the Senate Health Committee. As the case with other races on Long Island, Cronin has been critical of Hannon for being associated with Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, recently arrested on corruption charges.

Though Republicans are using another politician to bash their opponents: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat. According to the New York Post, Hannon produced a mailer using Cronin’s face and a stack of $100 bills peeking out of a suit coat’s breast pocket that paints the Democratic challenger as a crony for de Blasio. Though connecting Cronin to de Blasio hasn’t kept the mayor’s political rival, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, from contributing money to help Cronin, and the governor is expected to endorse the Democratic candidate as he campaigns throughout Long Island this week.

For more on the race in State Senate District 6:
Cuomo endorses Kaminsky, Haber in state Senate runs - Newsday
Ed Mangano’s corruption case is bad news for Republicans - New York Post
GOP campaigns on unpopular de Blasio in battle for state Senate - New York Post
Group that fought Lavern's Law spends big on GOP senator who helped - New York Daily News

***
by William Fowler for Gotham Gazette

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