Democrats in the GLOW Counties (Genesee, Livingston, Orlean, and Wyoming) reacted this evening to Congressman Chris Lee's (NY 26) vote against the stimulus package that was approved tonight by the House of Representatives.

The Democratic Committees of the GLOW region have issued the following statement on the appointment of Kirsten Gillibrand as New York's junior Senator:

"We congratulate Senator Gillibrand on her appointment as our new Senator, and we commend Governor David Paterson on making sure that the unique interests of upstate New York are reflected at the highest levels of government. The position of Senator is of special importance to residents of the GLOW region (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties). Unfortunately, since almost all of our residents have no representation in the majority of the Assembly, State Senate, or House of Representatives, our federal Senators are our only majority representatives. Therefore, we are especially pleased that Senator Gillibrand comes from an upstate, rural Congressional district that is similar to our own. We are delighted to have a Senator so attuned to our issues.

Buffalo boxer Joe Mesi has won his party's nomination for the New York state senate.

Mesi, 34, defeated Michele Iannello and Daniel Ward Tuesday night for the Democratic party nod for the Nov. 4 election to fill the seat last held by retiring Republican Mary Lou Rath. Mesi captured 51 per cent of the primary vote on Tuesday.

Running under the banner of reform, David J. DiPietro hopes to turn his opponent's Albany experience â€" 36 years of it â€" into a liability.

The East Aurora businessman is pitted against incumbent Dale M. Volker of Depew for the Republican line on the ballot in the 59th Senate District.

Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the arrests of two former New York State employees who are charged with fraudulently receiving workers' compensation benefits by lying about their employment status.

New York State put $13.7 million up for grabs this year for local governments willing to work together and find creative ways to save taxpayers money.

Winning proposals involve two or more units of local government that cook up joint ideas for trimming costs and improving municipal efficiency through shared services, cooperative agreements, mergers, consolidation and even dissolution.

ALBION -- The Orleans County Legislature established its first employee nepotism policy at its regular meeting Wednesday.

The policy was adapted from a policy already in place in Cortland County, said Chief Administrative Officer Chuck Nesbitt. It is designed to protect employees and guard against situations in which nepotism -- favoritism based on a familial or personal relationship -- could occur, said Legislator Lynne Johnson.

ALBANY â€" The national Alliance Defense Fund filed a lawsuit Tuesday to halt Gov. David Paterson's order issued last month to require state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages from other states and countries.

Efforts are under way to recruit Silver Star recipient David Bellavia to challenge incumbent Democrat Louise M. Slaughter of Fairport this fall for the House of Representatives, several GOP and Conservative Party sources said.