Top 10 Stories of 2009, Part One: Special Elections!

As we shiver our way toward New Year’s Eve, I want to start a discussion about the top 10 news stories of 2009.

We may also dip our toe into speculation over the top stories of the last decade, but let’s start more modestly.

I’m going to suggest that the 10th most important news story of the year were our big special elections in the 20th and 23rd districts.

Rep. Scott Murphy (D-Glens Falls) won an upset victory over then-Assembly minority leader Jim Tedisco, a win that rattled the GOP and triggered a shake-up in Albany’s leadership.

That spring shocker was followed by the autumn race between Republican Dede Scozzafava, Conservative Doug Hoffman and Democrat Bill Owens.

The contest became a national referendum on the soul of the Republican Party and a Democrat won the 23rd district seat for the first time in more than a century.

National implications aside, these races offered more evidence that the political landscape in the North Country has shifted for good.

The Republican lock-box is broken. Democrats aren’t dominant, by any means, but neither are they invisible.

So — the countdown begins. Do you agree that the special elections rate a place on the list? And what are your suggestions?

Comments welcome below.