Cuomo marches in 2009 Columbus Day Parade. His bid for governor is unchallenged in Tuesday's primary election and he is well ahead in surveys of the general election.

Photo by: saeberyo courtesy of Flickr

Cuomo marches in 2009 Columbus Day Parade. His bid for governor is unchallenged in Tuesday’s primary election and he is well ahead in surveys of the general election.

In 2006, a popular attorney general was all but guaranteed the New York State governor’s seat. A close race for attorney general was the highlight of primary day. And in the background lurked races for state senate with the potential to swing control of that chamber from one party to the next.

It’s deja vu–almost–as voters head to the polls on Tuesday. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is well ahead in surveys of the governor’s race. A five-way primary for attorney general is the marquee statewide race of the day. And several interesting state senate races in the five boroughs won’t affect who controls the chamber (the Democrats finally took a slim majority in 2008) but could very well affect what agenda drives the legislature in 2011 and beyond.

Will gay marriage get another look? Will reforms on legislators’ outside earnings, campaign financing and redistricting get a fair hearing? Are vacancy decontrol and repeal of the Urstadt Law on the radar screen?

The races City Limits has been following are:

Espada & Rivera Square Off In Tuesday’s Primary
Despite the coalescence of an anti-Espada movement around Rivera, Rivera says the race is not just about dislodging Espada. He says it’s about bringing to the community much needed resources such as jobs and housing.

‘Hothead’ Sen. Kevin Parker Has Foes, Friends And A Familiar Rival
Kevin Parker is a regular tabloid target over angry outbursts and allegedly violent conduct. But allies cite his progressive record. His opponent, meanwhile, is making his ninth try at office.

Queens Race Defies Narrative Of Gay Rights, Reform
Coverage of the matchup between Sen. Shirley Huntley and challenger Lynn Nunes revolves around gay rights. But hospital closings, foreclosures and flooding are the issues closer to the district.

Reading The Political Tea Leaves Of Harlem’s State Senate Race
Will charter schools, the age difference between the candidates and Harlem’s changing racial and income demographics determine the outcome of the race between Bill Perkins and Basil Smikle?