What 2009 means for 2010 (More robocalls anyone?)

One thing’s for sure: 2009 was a tipping point in North Country politics.

We saw massive fissures open between the region’s “tea party” conservative movement and the long-established Republican Party.

We saw Democrats continue to flex their organizational muscle.

All that translates into more competitive elections down the road. Which isn’t just a good thing, it’s a great thing.

There’s already talk of challenges against Republican Assemblywomen Dede Scozzafava and Janet Duprey.

It also seems very likely that Democratic Reps. Bill Owens and Scott Murphy will face energetic opponents next year.

My response? It’s about time. An uncontested (or feebly contested) election is a missed opportunity.

For most of the first decade that I spent in the North Country, politics were kept in a lockbox.

There was a little drama occasionally in local races, but from the Assembly on up our politics were frozen in time.

Everyone (myself included) needs a little break right now from 24/7 politics. (Robocalls are the new black flies of the North Country.)

But with all the many problems this region faces — and the many underused assets — we need a more open and competitive debate over our future. I think we’re going to get it.