We're drafting again at the urging of Assembly members Josh Jensen and Ed Ra.

The Assembly Republicans join Dan Clark, author of the Capitol Confidential newsletter, Raga Justin, a Capitol reporter for the Times Union, and David Lombardo, the host with most, to pick Planet Albany's best dressed, funniest, and best talker, as well as the Capitol reporter who would make the best state lawmaker.

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We're handing out "The Dispatches" awards for the 2025 legislative session!

Host David Lombardo, Times Union Capitol reporter Raga Justin, and Capitol Confidential author Dan Clark recognize the environmental movement, smartphone restrictions in school, Medical Aid in Dying, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, "affordability," Sen. James Skoufis and many more at this prestigious event.

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The lobbying restrictions were off Shontell Smith this past legislative session, so we talked with the Tusk Strategies partner about her efforts this year to move bills through the state Assembly and Senate.

We discuss a controversial measure paving the way to a casino in Queens, the stress of last-minute bill amendments, asking for meetings with state lawmakers, and reflect on how difficult it is to get legislation across the finish line at the Capitol.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please consider becoming a recurring contributor to help keep the podcast alive.

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has embarked on a longshot bid to be the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in 2026, so we wanted to explore what the path looks like to beating Gov. Kathy Hochul next June.

Mapping out this course is Rebecca Garrard, co-executive director of Citizen Action of New York, which is playing footsie with Delgado. In the second part of our conversation we touch on the role of the Working Families Party in a Democratic gubernatorial primary, the implications of a multi-candidate field, and Delgado's messaging skills.

In the first part of our conversation we touch on the benefits of a "tax the rich" message, the importance of fundraising, boosting name recognition, and what lessons should be learned from Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani's mayoral campaign.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please consider becoming a recurring contributor to help keep the podcast alive.

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has embarked on a longshot bid to be the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in 2026, so we wanted to explore what the path looks like to beating Gov. Kathy Hochul next June.

Mapping out this course is Rebecca Garrrard, co-executive director of Citizen Action of New York, which is playing footsie with Delgado. In the first part of our conversation we touch on the benefits of a "tax the rich" message, the importance of fundraising, boosting name recognition, and what lessons should be learned from Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani's mayoral campaign.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please consider becoming a recurring contributor to help keep the podcast alive.

The passage of four years since the legalization of marijuana has done little to calm these rocky waters and bring stability to this chaotic industry. To discuss how the wind is currently blowing in the cannabis landscape, we checked in with Katie Neer, who is of counsel with Dickinson & Avella.

Katie and host David Lombardo talked about an anonymous letter from staff at the Office of Cannabis Management, the legislative approach (or lack of one) to marijuana issues, and forecasted the next big cannabis conundrum.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please consider becoming a recurring contributor to help keep the podcast alive.

P.S. This episode was recorded 24 hours before Gov. Kathy Hochul identified a new chair for the state Cannabis Control Board.

There are two weeks left on the legislative calendar and staff, lobbyists and state lawmakers are already feeling the crunch. So we explore what it's like navigating this stressful time period and whether anything big will get done down the stretch this session with former Assembylman Ken Zebrowski, a lobbyist with Brown & Weinraub.

Host David Lombardo talks with the Rockland County Democrat about pending environmental bills, his new hybrid truck, and next year's gubernatorial election.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please consider becoming a recurring contributor to help keep the podcast alive.

We're drafting again and this time we've got a new cast of characters selecting their favorite political movies.

Host David Lombardo is joined by Amanda Henning Santiago, of The Parkside Group, and Sam Alberti, formerly of the executive chamber. We're picking six different categories of films, exploring what constitutes a political movie, and debating how to push your favorites on to other people.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please consider becoming a recurring contributor to help keep the podcast coming. Visit capitolpressroom.org/donate to support the show.