Can the GOP rebuild in NY?

That’s the question the Times is asking. Some pundits say we’re going the way of Massachusetts — where Republicans are simply no longer viable.

There’s still some conviction within New York’s GOP that the old upstate-downstate divide could spark a resurgence.

Many upstate lawmakers believe geography could become a more potent issue going forward, now that New York City lawmakers will control the governor’s office, the Senate and the Assembly.

“Over the next two years, there will be a report card on whether the needs of the upstate are being addressed,” said Senator Joseph A. Griffo, a Republican from Rome, N.Y.

“The concern I have is that one-party, one-region dominance is unhealthy. It doesn’t truly reflect the state.”

Not to dwell on the obvious, but the problem with this formulation is sheer demographics. The population of NYC is growing. The rest of the state is stagnant or shrinking.

If you define your party as the party Not From New York City, then you effectively write off the lion’s share of votes.

Read the full Times treatment here.

(Thanks to Jonathan Brown for bringing this article to my attention.)