And to the West

If you think things are bad in Boston, consider Albany. For the last forty years, Republicans have controlled the State Senate until last November's elections when the Democrats ended up with a two vote majority. Suffice it to say the Democrats ascendancy to power has not gone smoothly. Last Monday, two dissident Democrats (both with some significant ethics and other issues) joined the Repubs in a surprise vote to reorganize the leadership. When the lights came back on, literally, the Repubs were now in control of the Senate.

Moving in the background is one Blase Thomas Golisano, a billionaire, libertarian, three time candidate for governor, who had pumped a bunch of money into the Democrats campaigns hoping for some “reform” to be promoted when they gained a majority. Suffice it to say that Mr. Galisano is unhappy with his subsequent treatment by the new majority. He, like Rushbo, moved his primary residence to Florida to protest new taxes but Golisano apparently decided to extract a non-monetary penalty as well, hence the overthrow of the Democratic leadership. With all the issues facing New York and just two weeks to go in the legislative session, the place is now in chaos.

Bob Dylan said it best: money doesn't talk, it swears.