With Senator Tom Libous’ (R-Binghamton) removal from his seat in the State Senate after a conviction of lying to the FBI, and the possibility of Senator Skelos (R-Long Island) facing a similar fate, control of the State Senate could be up in the air. Although the two districts are solidly Republican, the Governor has gotten out in front on the Binghamton seat. Libous’ district has stayed in G.O.P. control for decades and has a Republican enrollment advantage of more than 9,000 registered voters. However, the Governor has said that he will call a special election and has endorsed a Democrat, Barbara Fiala. Fiala, who was recently named chair of the Women’s Equality Party created by Cuomo last year, served as Broome County Executive and commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles before retiring last year. He has not committed campaign funds from his considerable war chest. We’ll wait, watch and see. Stay tuned.
