NY Democratic Majority Draws Notice

WASHINGTON - Democrats' razor-thin majority in the New York state Senate is gaining notice from a national group trying to protect Democratic congressional seats.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee said Tuesday it would spend $20 million in a handful of states, including New York, where state legislatures - and their drawing of congressional maps - are at risk of turning over to Republican control.

The state Senate in New York has 31 Democrats, 30 Republicans and one vacancy, though that will be filled today after Tuesday's special election.

"Wherever there's a chamber that's this close, we're concerned," said Michael Sargent, executive director of the DLCC, in a telephone interview Tuesday.

In the past, the DLCC has contributed to political committees and conducted research but rarely becomes directly involved in specific races, Mr. Sargent said.

Although the group believes the national political atmosphere that is hurting Democrats will not translate directly to state races, Mr. Sargent said, national issues such as job creation, health care and education should dominate candidates' messages, he said.

Asked how the governor's race in New York may play into state legislative races, Mr. Sargent said, "I think Democrats are going to have a very strong gubernatorial campaign, eventually."

The group reported that 21 legislative chambers in 17 states are within five seats of changing hands.

"The DLCC is determined to run the largest Democratic redistricting mobilization in history this year to ensure that our state legislative candidates have the resources needed to win against well-heeled Republican special interests," the group said in a memo to Democratic leaders and activists.

Congressional districts will be drawn after this year's census to reflect shifting populations. New York is widely expected to lose at least one congressional seat.