Election 2012

(03/12/12) Legislative leaders and Governor Cuomo are working on a constitutional amendment to reform redistricting in New York. But critics say in its present form, the proposal won't accomplish its goal. In Albany, Karen DeWitt has this report: more

(03/09/12) The front-running Republican challenging US Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand admits he faces an "uphill battle" against the Democratic incumbent.

George Maragos - a former banker and now Nassau County Comptroller -- says he'll spend his own money to try to level the field. Martha Foley has more. more

(03/09/12) Vermont's Champlain Islands are smack in the middle of Lake Champlain's northern end. Isle La Motte is the westernmost of those islands. It's isolated and rural. Living there, you might travel to New York State to see a doctor, or go to the grocery store.

But, Isle La Motte joins other towns across Vermont in town meeting day, when citizens come together to have their say on issues big and small. Sarah Harris spent town meeting day on the island and has our story. more

(03/09/12) Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward's announcement last week that she won't seek another term has potential candidates mulling their options. As of today, at least seven people have expressed moderate to serious interest in running for her seat.

The district includes Essex, Hamilton, Warren and part of Saratoga counties. Redistricting proposals could cut out Hamilton County in favor of Washington County. Chris Morris reports. more

(03/09/12) Veteran North Country Republican Teresa Sayward, who won't seek another Assembly term, says she's leaning toward voting for President Barack Obama in the 2012 presidential race. Sayward made the surprise statement during an interview on YNN's program "Capital Tonight."

Sayward has been an advocate of gay rights and supported same-sex marriage in New York, describing it as a "civil rights issue." During the interview with YNN, Sayward complained that Republicans on the national stage are pushing a religious agenda that, in her view, meddles too far in people's private lives.

Sayward, a former town supervisor from Willsboro, served 10 years in the Assembly as a Republican. A race is now underway to fill her seat, with at least seven candidates considering a run.

(03/08/12) Watertown Republican Matt Doheny continues to rack up party endorsements in his bid to unseat Democratic Congressman Bill Owens from Plattsburgh.

Over the last week, he's drawn the backing of Republican leaders in Clinton and Fulton Counties. In Essex County, Doheny won the backing of both the Republican and Conservative Party committees.

In a statement, Clinton County Republican chair Don Lee said Doheny has the "political acumen and business acumen to be one heck of a good congressman."

Doheny faces Kellie Greene of Sackets Harbor in the June primary. Lake Placid accountant Doug Hoffman has also expressed interest in another run for the House seat.

But so far, Doheny has far outpaced his competition in fundraising and endorsements.

(03/07/12) The Adirondack North Country may be unified into one congressional district this year.

A federal judge has issued a map that would consolidate the region into a new 21st District.

The old NY-23 district, now represented by Democrat Bill Owens from Plattsburgh would be dramatically redrawn. Martha Foley has more. more

(03/06/12) Town meeting day in Vermont is one of the few examples of direct democracy in our country. It's a state holiday, and townspeople turn out to elect municipal leaders and approve local budgets.

This year local issues at town meeting reflect national debates. In Franklin, Vermont, voters will determine whether prayer should be allowed at town meeting. And 52 towns will vote on whether to pass a constitutional amendment overturning the Supreme Court ruling on Citizens United.

In Burlington, the state's largest city, Vermonters are headed to the polls to elect a new mayor. Sarah Harris has more. more

(03/05/12) Lake Placid accountant Doug Hoffman says he's considering another run for congress. In an interview broadcast this morning on NPR, Hoffman said he was waiting to make his decision until redistricting lines are redrawn.

A Federal judge is now considering plans submitted by political leaders in New York state. Under one of those plans, Hoffman would land in the 20th congressional district, where he now lives. But under another plan, the 23rd district would expand to include Lake Placid.

Two years ago, Hoffman moved his residency to Saranac Lake while challenging fellow Republican Matt Doheny in the GOP primary.

Hoffman's two bids for congress drew widespread support from conservatives in the 23rd district and divided Republican voters, but he fell short against Democratic Representative Bill Owens.

The judge's decision on how to draw congressional lines in New York State could come within the next two weeks.

(03/02/12) North Country assemblywoman Teresa Sayward says she won't see re-election this year. In a surprise announcement released late yesterday, Sayward said she had reached the decision after "a great deal of careful thought and personal reflection."

Sayward, a Republican, has served as Willsboro town supervisor and a member of the state Assembly for the last two decades. In her statement, Sayward said she leaves public service "more optimistic than when I entered."

Sayward was a strong advocate of same-sex marriage. She says she was proud to "stand up, speak out and vote in support of marriage equality for all New Yorkers." The decision will set off a scramble for her seat, in a district that has long been seen as a Republican stronghold.

But one of the top contenders could be Jay town supervisor Randy Douglas, a Democrat who leads the Essex County board of supervisors. Douglas saw his profile rise dramatically as he led the recovery effort following tropical storm Irene.

In an interview with the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Douglas said he is "honestly considering a run," but he won't make a formal decision until he "thoroughly" discusses the pros and cons with his family.

Read Sayward's statement in full below. more