Partisan anomalies common in State Senate

Of the 32 Republicans who make up the State Senate majority, 16 serve in districts where more Democrats than GOP voters are enrolled, according to the state's most recent registration figures. That number stands to reach 17 -- a majority of the house's majority -- if recounts confirm Republican David Storobin as winner of last month's special election in Brooklyn's 27th District.

These partisan anomalies, which are especially dramatic in Nassau and Suffolk, are expected to survive even after court challenges to a new state legislative map are completed and new lines take effect in November.

On Long Island, Republicans hold all nine seats, yet six districts have more Democrats than Republicans, including the 9th, represented by Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre).

Reasons vary. Turnout doesn't always match enrollment. Many voters cross partisan lines. Longtime incumbents enjoy an edge. And, at least as importantly, voters without party affiliation -- known as "blanks" -- form a sizable share of the electorate.

Meanwhile, Democrats represent none of the 16 districts where Republicans outnumber them. Die-hard Democrats say this means they have nowhere to go but up in the upper house and will win it back; Republicans note differences between how people may enroll and how they vote.