New York State Senate Democrats have declared victory in the District Eight New York State Senate race, a seat currently held by Republican Senator Michael Venditto. Venditto’s opponent, John Brooks, claimed victory last week after a count of absentee and affidavit ballots. With more than 130,000 votes now recorded, Brooks has a lead of 41 votes. Republican officials have not conceded, noting that the validity of roughly 1,000 uncounted ballots are being challenged by both sides. Click here for the full story.