Third Party in Albany Stirring Political Stew Up

New York State politics has taken an interesting turn with the addition of a third caucus in the Albany legislative body. The Independent Democratic Caucus (IDC) formed in 2011 after the majority Democrats were shook with scandal and have allied with the Republicans until just last month. Although this gave the Republicans a clear majority, they won barely more seats than their Democratic opponents. The recent divorce from the majority party, for the second time, leaves a power vacuum in Albany just begging to be filled this November.

It should be noted that party affiliation and caucus membership are not always the same party. The Democratic Party has a majority in terms of getting their candidates elected, yes, but once in Albany any legislator is free to join a caucus. A caucus is a membership in legislating that coordinates policy and voting. What complicates the New York State legislature is many legislators under the majority Democratic banner broke ranks and joined the newly founded IDC and one even caucuses with the GOP.

Currently, the Democratic Caucus dwarfs the Republican Caucus combined with the IDC, 35-26 (with two vacant seats) but as the IDC announced their separation from both parties, the Republican Caucus shrinks considerably (30-26) and must renegotiate their political clout with a competitive minority party.

Jeffrey Klein - nydailynews.com

The IDC caucus members, David Valesky (D-53), David Carlucci (D-38), Jeffrey Klein (Republican caucusing-80), Diane Savino (D-23), Tony Avella (D-11); now wield a distinct advantage going into the newest legislative session. Their break from the Republican Caucus was orchestrated by Governor Cuomo and New York City mayor De Blasio because, according to Jeffrey Klein, the IDC was to be threatened with primary challenges by the Democratic flank if they continued their partnership with the GOP. The IDC is now arguably more independent than before, not beholden by Democratic threats and by Republican politics inside the legislature.