Voters have chance to reshape NY Legislature

 New Yorkers have a chance to reshape the state Legislature as in few election cycles before, as a clash of ideologies combines with what is potentially a big turnout for the presidential election.

All 213 legislative seats are up for grabs and more than two dozen are seats vacated by incumbents or filled by short-timers who won special elections to fill partial terms. The unusual amount of retirements coupled with others who took jobs in the Cuomo administration provides a more open field than in most legislative elections, which are held every two years.

Assembly Democrats are expected to easily continue their majority in the 150-seat chamber, where they already hold 100 seats. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who has been in the chamber since 1976, is closing on a record tenure as the powerful leader.

The most watched New York contest is the fight for control of the Senate.

"Polls have shown voters want Democrats running the Senate," said Sen. Michael Gianaris, a Queens Democrat running the Senate campaigns.

He said a Democratic majority would bring an increase in the minimum wage, greater protection for women's reproductive rights, address pay-equity issues for women and advance a progressive agenda blocked by Republicans.

Gianaris tried to paint Republican senators as being in step with the national Republican party "in marching toward the extreme right wing."

Senate Republicans, however, say they are still in power because they are focused on encouraging employers to create jobs, holding the line on spending, capping the increase in property taxes and pushing other measures in partnership with popular Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

"Working with Governor Cuomo, Senate Republicans are turning New York around," said GOP Senate spokesman Scott Reif. "If the Senate Democrats return to power, they're going to raise taxes, spend recklessly and hurt our ability to create new jobs, just like they did during their two chaotic years in the majority."

Republicans also campaigned using the Democrats' two-year control of the majority. From 2008 to 2010, the Senate was marked by gridlock and power grabs.