Incumbents raid NY treasury to finance their campaigns

As New York State continues to drown in red ink, with budget deficits that threaten vital services, elected officials continue to raid the public treasury for their own benefit.  Recent published reports reveal that incumbent state senators and assembly members spent nearly $9 million in taxpayer dollars for "newsletters" that are little more than thinly veiled campaign pieces.  More than just a misuse of public funds, the chilling effect on the democratic process is a cause for concern.  Overwhelmed by the power of incumbency, challengers find it difficult to mount campaigns against entrenched elected officials, who are re-elected at the astounding rate of 95% in New York State.