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.<\/p>\n
There’s still some conviction within New York’s GOP that the old upstate-downstate divide could spark a resurgence.<\/p>\n
\n<\/blockquote>\n\nMany upstate lawmakers believe geography could become a more potent issue going forward, now that New York City lawmakers will control the governor\u2019s office, the Senate and the Assembly.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the next two years, there will be a report card on whether the needs of the upstate are being addressed,\u201d said Senator Joseph A. Griffo, a Republican from Rome, N.Y.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe concern I have is that one-party, one-region dominance is unhealthy. It doesn\u2019t truly reflect the state.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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.<\/p>\n
If you define your party as the party Not From New York City, then you effectively write off the lion’s share of votes.<\/p>\n