Why developers of NYC luxury towers give millions to upstate candidates

Senate allies not only promote legislation in their interests, but also stymie opposing bills

In 2014, an obscure campaign in the foothills west of Albany between a sheep farmer and a home builder mushroomed into one of the most expensive State Senate elections in New York history. Each side's supporters spent at least $3.5 million, or more than four times the cost of the average U.S. House of Representatives contest that year.

The bulk of money poured in from outside the district. Labour unions and national committees for campaign finance reform backed incumbent Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk, the farmer. Some contributions to her opponent, Republican George Amedore Jr., which helped fund his television attack ads, were