Queens races could decide Senate majority

When Queens residents go to the polls to elect their local representatives, interested observers will keep a close eye on two Senate races in particular, whose result could determine what political party rules Albany.
In southern Queens, current City Councilmember Joseph Addabbo is heavily targeting incumbent Serphin Maltese’s seat, while in the northern part of the borough, Republican Frank Padavan is likely going to face his toughest challenge of his political career from Democratic Councilmember James Gennaro.
The Republicans, who hold a slim two-seat majority in the New York State Senate, are desperately trying to hold onto both Queens seats to help them preserve their last power source in Albany since both the Governor and Assembly are both Democratic.
“I think we come back,” Maltese said referring to the Republicans as the majority party. Maltese cited many powerful labor unions throughout the city and state endorsing his candidacy and pointed to the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) endorsing both he and Padavan as a good sign that Republicans would remain in the majority.
“By doing that, they are sending a signal to everyone saying they expect the majority to remain the same,” Maltese said.
Meanwhile, the Democrats are smelling blood in the water and hoping to regain the majority in the Senate for the first time since 1965.
Juanita Scarlett, a spokesperson for the New York State Senate Democratic Senatorial Committee, said that the Democrats expect to retake the majority after election night, and that the committee is focusing on both Queens races hoping they could help them accomplish it.
“Both the Senate Minority Leader [Malcolm Smith] and other leaders in New York including the Governor and Senators Clinton and Schumer have been helping with those races,” said Scarlett. “We certainly know the people in Queens want change.”
Scarlett also expects high voter turnout with the Presidential election on the ballot - something she believes will be to the Democrats advantage.
“Certainly what’s happening nationally will impact the local races,” Scarlett said. “It’s amazing how people are galvanized. People want to see change in Washington and change in Albany.”
Both camps are dispatching lots of money and volunteers to these two races knowing that victory or defeat in either of these races could very well determine the party in power in the Senate.
Maltese cited the support of 37 prominent unions that have announced the support for his candidacy - many of whom are volunteering for his campaign.
“They [the union heads] are telling their members no matter who they are voting for in the Presidential election, they should support me,” Maltese said.
Meanwhile, Gennaro and Addabbo have also received the support of a number of unions, community groups and city and state leaders.
“We have tremendous confidence in Gennaro and Addabbo to deliver for the people of Queens,” Scarlett said.
Currently, Long Island Republican State Senator Dean Skelos is the Senate Majority leader while Queens State Senator Malcolm Smith currently holds the title of Senate Minority leader. However, if the Democrats pick up two seats many believe Smith would become the new Majority Leader.
Addabbo said that if he wins and Senator Smith becomes the majority leader, city residents will begin to see more state funding directed towards the city.