Dispatches from Planet Albany

Politico New York reporter Bill Mahoney joins the show to discuss two Democratic leaders with very different styles. State Sen. Rachel May is going up against the Democratic machine in central New York, including backing a successful primary to one of her legislative colleagues, while Jay Jacobs is catering almost exclusively to the party's establishment, as he looks to secure another term running the state party. Mahoney and host David Lombardo discuss what May is doing in Syracuse and whether Jacobs should worry about a challenge to his leadership.  And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).   Subscribe to our newsletter / https://www.publicmediasubscriptions.org/WCNY/subscription/pressroom  Follow the show on Twitter / https://twitter.com/CapPressRoom Follow the show on Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/capitolpressroom/ Follow the show on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/thecapitolpressroom

After a long summer apart, we've got the return of Bloomberg Government's Raga Justin and Capitol Confidential's Dan Clark. We catch up on their summer activities, including travel abroad and across America, before discussing Gov. Kathy Hochul's promotional video with Kevin Bacon and considering what should be renamed in New York besides Lake Ontario.  And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).   Subscribe to our newsletter / https://www.publicmediasubscriptions.org/WCNY/subscription/pressroom  Follow the show on Twitter / https://twitter.com/CapPressRoom Follow the show on Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/capitolpressroom/ Follow the show on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/thecapitolpressroom

Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Blakeman needs help making up Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul's fundraising advantage, even with his campaign tapping into public financing. Coming to the rescue is the super PAC "Strong & Safe New York." We dive into the work of this independent expenditure with the super PAC's spokesman, Chapin Fay, who explains how they're trying to complement the Blakeman campaign. We also discuss the GOP hopeful's message discipline, his reluctance to lean into his pro-choice credentials, and a Republican-aligned poll suggesting Hohcul has a tight race. And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).   Subscribe to our newsletter / https://www.publicmediasubscriptions.org/WCNY/subscription/pressroom  Follow the show on Twitter / https://twitter.com/CapPressRoom Follow the show on Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/capitolpressroom/ Follow the show on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/thecapitolpressroom

Senate Republican Campaign Committee Chair George Borrello joins the show to talk about the underdog battle he's leading this fall. The western New York Republican discusses the SRCC's goals for the midterms, peels back the candidate recruitment process, and explores the messaging the GOP hopes will connect with independent voters. And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).   Subscribe to our newsletter / https://www.publicmediasubscriptions.org/WCNY/subscription/pressroom  Follow the show on Twitter / https://twitter.com/CapPressRoom Follow the show on Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/capitolpressroom/ Follow the show on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/thecapitolpressroom

New York's state lawmakers have room for improvement, according to a scorecard released this summer by Environmental Advocates NY. We broke down the findings with Katherine Nadeau, the group's deputy executive director, who also discussed the 2026 legislative session overall and how the individual grades were calculated. We also talked about the upcoming legislative session and how environmentalists will lobby on some of their priorities.  And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).   Subscribe to our newsletter / https://www.publicmediasubscriptions.org/WCNY/subscription/pressroom  Follow the show on Twitter / https://twitter.com/CapPressRoom Follow the show on Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/capitolpressroom/ Follow the show on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/thecapitolpressroom