As we shiver our way toward New Year’s Eve, I want to start a discussion about the top 10 news stories of 2009.<\/p>\n
We may also dip our toe into speculation over the top stories of the last decade, but let’s start more modestly.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
That spring shocker was followed by the autumn race between Republican Dede Scozzafava, Conservative Doug Hoffman and Democrat Bill Owens.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
National implications aside, these races offered more evidence that the political landscape in the North Country has shifted for good.<\/p>\n
The Republican lock-box is broken. Democrats aren’t dominant, by any means, but neither are they invisible.<\/p>\n
So — the countdown begins. Do you agree that the special elections rate a place on the list? And what are your suggestions? <\/p>\n
Comments welcome below.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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