As predicted, the Senate Democrats are seizing on today’s “Race to the Top” announcement, declaring both a policy and political victory in their ability to push through changes that helped again push New York into the list of finalists for federal education cash.

(Keep in mind: This is not a done deal. The last time New York made it to this RttT level, only to finish 15th out of 16 when it came down to awarding cash).

Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson called this a “shining example of what the Senate Democratic Majority can accomplish for the State of New York.”

“By passing legislation to raise the charter cap, reform charter schools, improve teacher evaluation, and invest in tracking educational outcomes, the Senate Democratic Majority helped give New York the competitive advantage it needed to become a finalist in the Race to the Top,” Sampson crowed.

On the political end, DSCC spokesman Josh Cherwin slammed the Senate Republicans for failing to universally support the RttT legislation. (The charter cap bill, for example, passed 45-15, with all 32 of the Democrats voting “yes” along with 15 Republicans).

“For over four decades Senate Republicans have been a roadblock to progress at every level. Today, Senate Democrats scored another point for reform, despite a majority of Republicans standing in the way.”

“This is another undeniable example of why New Yorkers are supporting a stronger Democratic Majority, why 68 percent of New Yorker reject GOP-rule, and why donors are backing Democratic Senate candidates throughout the state.”

UPDATE: Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos responded thusly:

“By taking credit for staying alive in Race to the Top Two, Senate Democrats – aka ‘the Enemies of Reform,’ are hoping taxpayers will forget how their failure to support important education reforms cost us $830 million in Round One.”

“Joining 18 other states as finalists for more federal aid is good news, but it won’t overshadow the facts that taxes and spending will be going up even more, school property tax bills are being prepared without a state budget in place, and the budget will soon be the latest in history.”

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