Sen. Craig Johnson is one of two Democrats representing traditionally GOP-dominated Long Island. He’s an outspoken advocate for suburban interests like property relief – a big focus for his conference this year – and charter schools, which has put him at odds with some fellow Democrats. And he’s been a perennial target for the Republicans since he won a special election in 2007, and this year is no different.

Capital Tonight’s Liz Benjamin talked to Sen. Johnson about his stance on charter schools and Race to the Top funding, the state budget and how he’s gone on a crash diet to prepare for the campaign.