One thing’s for sure: 2009 was a tipping point in North Country politics.<\/p>\n
We saw massive fissures open between the region’s “tea party” conservative movement and the long-established Republican Party.<\/p>\n
We saw Democrats continue to flex their organizational muscle. <\/p>\n
All that translates into more competitive elections down the road. Which isn’t just a good thing, it’s a great thing.<\/p>\n
There’s already talk of challenges against Republican Assemblywomen Dede Scozzafava and Janet Duprey. <\/p>\n
It also seems very likely that Democratic Reps. Bill Owens and Scott Murphy will face energetic opponents next year.<\/p>\n
My response? It’s about time. An uncontested (or feebly contested) election is a missed opportunity. <\/p>\n
For most of the first decade that I spent in the North Country, politics were kept in a lockbox. <\/p>\n
There was a little drama occasionally in local races, but from the Assembly on up our politics were frozen in time.<\/p>\n
Everyone (myself included) needs a little break right now from 24\/7 politics. (Robocalls are the new black flies of the North Country.)<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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