Herding cats in the Assembly takes a responsible nerd
Release Date: 09/26/2025
BONUS: Elise Stefanik suspends bid for governor
Dispatches from Planet Albany
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik suspended her short-lived bid for governor on Friday afternoon, so we're breaking down her anouncement and the ramifications of the decision, including what this means for the Republican gubernatorial landscape. Our guest is Chapin Fay, a Republican strategist and founder of Lighthouse Public Affairs. And if this type of is your cup of tea, you may be interested in our for supporters of the program. For a $50 contribution or a recurring commitment of $5 a month we’ll give you a 12×9 poster celebrating life on Planet Albany.
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Senate Dems look to go on the offensive in Hudson Valley
Dispatches from Planet Albany
On paper, a Hudson Valley Senate District that includes the communities of Poughkeepsie, Newburgh and Beacon would seem made for a Democratic representative, but since redistricting it has been occupied by Republican Rob Rolison. In 2026, Poughkeepsie City Councilman Evan Menist is hoping to flip control of the seat by riding a blue wave and talking about affordability until he is blue in the face. The former senate staffer joined the show to discuss his campaign and explain why this purple seat has eluded Democrats so far. And if this type of is your cup of tea, you may be...
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122 bills on the governor's desk
Dispatches from Planet Albany
It's the season of giving: Giving somewhat controversial bills to the governor for her signature, veto, or the promise of future amendments. There are 122 bills awaiting action by Gov. Kathy Hochul (at the time of the podcast recording), so we're reflecting on the process of delivering bills at the end of the year and unpacking some of the pending legislation with the help of Dan Clark, author of the . And if this insider discussion is your cup of tea, you may be interested in our for supporters of the program. For a $50 contribution or a recurring commitment of $5 a month we’ll give...
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Bruce Blakeman emerges as GOP gubernatorial alternative
Dispatches from Planet Albany
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's flirtation with a run for governor became official this week, as he announced his bid to be the GOP nominee to take on Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2026. We explored his path to a primary victory and an upset in November with Michael Dawidziak, a Long Island-based Republican strategist. We talked about Blakeman's resume, the possibility of strategic voting by GOP primary participants, and the role of President Donald Trump in picking his party's nominee. And if this insider discussion is your cup of tea, you may be interested in our for supporters of...
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Broome County GOP chair sees strong bench as path to victory in blue New York
Dispatches from Planet Albany
While Democrats were making inroads all over New York in November, they were turned back in the race for mayor of Binghamton, where the GOP incumbent secured re-election despite a major enrollment disadvantage. This got us interested in the larger Broome County Republican apparatus, so we're checking in with their 31-year-old chair, Benji Federman. We talk about his pathway into political leadership, why he supports Rep. Elise Stefanik's gubernatorial bid, and how he thinks Republicans can rebuild their presence in the state legislature. And if this insider discussion is your cup of tea, you...
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The evolving gambling landscape in New York
Dispatches from Planet Albany
After years of anticipation, plus some twists and turns along the way, there is about the future casino landscape in the New York City area. We broke down the significance of the state siting board's decision with Bennett Liebman, one of the architect's of the 2013 law that paved the way to the proliferation of casino licenses in New York. We consider what to expect with these projects, like when they'll start asking for tax breaks, and take a broader look at New York's gambling operators. And if this insider discussion is your cup of tea, you may be interested in our for...
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Could Elise Stefanik be leading the race for governor?
Dispatches from Planet Albany
The race for governor of New York won't be decided for another eleven months, but from the fall by a conservative think tank suggests the election is winnable for Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. We unpack the findings, including Gov. Kathy Hochul's underwhelming performance in New York City, and the poll's methodology with , vice president of external affairs at the Manhattan Institute, where his duties include polling. And if this discussion is your cup of tea, you may be interested in our for supporters of the program. For a $50 contribution or a recurring commitment of $5 a...
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Debunking Albany conspiracies and handicapping Hochul's LG field
Dispatches from Planet Albany
Tusk Strategies partner Shontell Smith Plummer is back on the podcast after a lengthy absence to discuss whether a leak from the Hochul administration was accidentally done on purpose, the possibility of tax increases in next year's state budget, and whether Democratic lawmakers at the Capitol are going to veer to the left because of possible primaries. We also talk about who the governor might tap to be her running mate in 2026 and whether any of the contenders need to try less. And if you enjoy , please leave us a rating and consider becoming a to support the podcast (because we...
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A new chapter for former LG Brian Benjamin
Dispatches from Planet Albany
In 2022, corruption charges blew up the career trajectory for then-Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin. More than three years later, with the case dropped by federal prosecutors, the Harlem Democrat has a new life and a new perspective on the legal system and his life's journey. Benjamin visited the studio to reflect on the allegations of bribery from his time in the state senate, consider the role of the governor's number two and what makes a good lieutenant governor, and share his plans for the future. And if you enjoy , please leave us a rating and consider becoming a to support the...
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Won't somebody think of the businesses?!?!?
Dispatches from Planet Albany
A recent report from the Business Council of New York State made the case that employers in the Empire State don't feel like they're being heard by state policymakers. Putting aside that every interest group feels like this, it's undeniable that business interests do play a lot of defense during the legislative session in Albany. To discuss the lobbying efforts of the business community we sat down with former Democratic Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, who is now a lobbyist with Brown & Weinraub. And for Working Rules we explored the relationship between New York governors and the State...
info_outlineThe latest game of musical chairs at the Capitol has resulted in Assemblymember Jen Lunsford serving as assistant majority leader, a role that puts her third in line to run the chamber during ordinary operations.
We talked with the Rochester-area Democrat about why she got this post after just five years (she's a nerd with perfect attendance), considered her growing debate responsibilities, and explored what leadership roles might be appealing in the future.
Then New York Playbook PM author Jason Beeferman joins us for Working Rules to discuss "Menorah-Gate," the fallout from a Rosh Hashanah social media post by Rep. Elise Stefanik that erroneously featured a menorah. He'll also weigh in on the great debate over the name of a cookie.
And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).