State Senate Shifts

The State Senate saw a dramatic shift on Election Night, as Democrats took control for the first time since 1965. Democrats now control both houses of the Legislature, the Governor's office, and the four other statewide elected office for the first time since 1935. Here in Western New York, the State Senate races did not turn out to be decisive in the statewide battle for control. Republican Mike Ranzenhofer retained the the 61st State Senate District for the Republicans, by barely defeating former boxer Joe Mesi. Incumbent Republican State Senator Dale Volker will keep his seat in the New York senate after beating his challenger Kathy Konst. And Democratic State Senator William Stachowski fended off a challenge from Republican rival Dennis Delano. Stachowski is now in line to take over the powerful position of Finance Committee Chairman, where he'll have a strong hand in the state budget:

Fatal Fire in Niagara County

A house was on Bishop Road in the Town of Hartland was in flames when the first crews arrived on scene last night. Three boys, ages 8, 6 and 5 died in the fire. The boys' grandmother was able to escape the flames.

WNY Key to State Senate Control

Control of the State Senate is up for grabs in three key local races: Democratic State Senator William Stachowski is hoping to fend off a strong challenge from Republican rival Dennis Delano. Republican Michael Razenhofer and Democrat Joseph Mesi are battling it out for an open seat. And longtime Republican incumbent Dale Volker leads Democratic challenger Kathy Konst in the polls.

Obama Leads in Buffalo Area

A "Buffalo Business First" computer analysis predicts that Barack Obama will beat John McCain by over 100-thousand votes in our region. Recent statewide poll numbers have shown Obama with a lead of 20 to 33 percentage points over his Republican contender.

South Buffalo Bridge Shut Down

A South Buffalo bridge has been shut down in what officials call a precautionary measure. The Hopkins Street Bridge was closed this morning until further notice as after a state inspection. The bridge is located near the Botanical Gardens, was built in the early 1980s. Senior City Engineer Don Poleto says it's a structural issue.

Alleged Falls Shooter Found Dead

A new development after a deadly domestic disturbance in the Falls. Amy Holliday was fatally shot in her Pershing Avenue home, at around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, in front of her mother and another family member. Now, Channel 2 is reporting that her estranged husband, Charles, has been found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.

State Senate Races Still Up in the Air

The final full day of campaigning before Tuesday's elections: Among the key local races are two State Senate contests: Republican Dennis Delano hopes to unseat Democrat William Stachowski, and Democrat Joe Mesi is running against the GOP's Michael H. Ranzenhofer. Mesi is spending the day hitting what he calls "17 towns in 17 hours." The latest Siena Poll shows the numbers shifting, with Stachowski and Ranzenhofer now leading.