Talk of the town

Good morning! Here's what's making headlines in the political world:

North country lawmakers are skeptical of Lt. Gov. Ravitch's five-year budget proposal.

Doug Hoffman gives Bill Owens, his former opponent in the 23rd Congressional District, an 'F' for his work as a representative, also weighs in on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Mr. Hoffman and fellow Republican opponent Matt Doheny spar over earmarks, abortion rights during a meet-and-greet in Fulton County.

Mr. Owens says he's "try(ing) to get things done" in Congress and that politics "takes a second seat."

The Plattsburgh Democrat has introduced two bills to combat drug trafficking along the U.S.-Canada border.

DOCS is closing 22 housing units at 17 state prisons, including five dorms in the Watertown hub. No one loses their job, but there's 149 less potential openings now.

Rep. Eric Massa's departure is a good opportunity for the GOP to pick up a House seat. But Salon says history shows they'll blow it.