In the Spotlight: Fundraising, Constitutional Convention & Excelsior Scholarship

This series highlights recent work of political journalists covering the region and New York state.

Mark Weiner at Syracuse.com writes that recent fundraising totals by Anthony Brindisi in NY-22 constitute “a strong start” in campaigning for “a congressional seat targeted by both national political parties as one of their top priorities in 2018.” (Oct. 10)

Bill Mahoney at Politico NY writes that a majority of New Yorkers support holding a state conventional convention, though this is declining ahead of November’s referendum. Half of New Yorkers have not heard of, or read about, the referendum, which his down from two-thirds over the summer. (Oct. 6)

Lauren Stanforth at the Times Union writes that nearly 22,000 students are participating in the Excelsior Scholarship program, which provides completely subsidized tuition for students attending public colleges and universities. This constitutes about 5 percent of SUNY and CUNY students. (Oct. 1)