Now that campaign signatures have been collected and submitted for ballot access, we're entering the phase of the election calendar in New York when candidates wait to see if they'll withstand any administrative or legal challenges to their petitions.

To learn about this process we talked with Adam Fusco, one of the small cadre of election lawyers in the state, who explained how he looks for defects, navigating the courts, and why - despite primarily working for Republicans - he takes on Democratic clients in parts of New York City.

Plus, on The Capitol Pressroom, Adam discusses his work on behalf of GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, who is looking to compel the Public Campaign Finance Board to give him matching campaign funds.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

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The general consensus is tha state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is the prohibitive favorite to be the Democratic nominee in November, when he seeks a fifth full term in office.

But we wanted to explore the variables and conditions that could lead to a Democratic outsider pulling off the biggest statewide upset in more than three decades, so we're checking in with Alex Elmasri, vice president of operations and growth for The Parkside Group.

Spoiler alert: The smart money is still on DiNapoli.

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Tusk Strategies Partner Shontell Plummer responds to last week's Planet Albany Power Ranking discussion by explaining the ebb and flow of power at the Capitol and identifies who was underrated and overrated on the lists.

She also takes a victory lap for her prediction of a budget that would be at least four weeks late.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

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