Primaries begin a remake of NY Legislature

Thursday's primary elections will begin to reshape New York's Legislature following an unusual number of retirements and challenges against Republican senators who voted to legalize gay marriage in 2011. More from WAMC's Dave Lucas



 State Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long is making good on his promise to challenge Republican Sens. Mark Grisanti of Erie County, Stephen Saland of Poughkeepsie, and Roy McDonald of Saratoga County. Republicans hold a slim majority in the Senate. In the Assembly, Republicans want to continue gaining on the Democrats who control the chamber. A few Republicans are also testing the public's reaction to a sexual harassment scandal involving a Democrat in the Assembly. Overall, more than 20 of 150 Assembly members and four of 62 senators retired this term.

(c)2012 Associated Press