The Politicalist: June 21

Today is my one-year anniversary at the Watertown Daily Times. It's also the longest day of the year. (Coincidence? I think not.)

Here's what's going on in politics today.

State politics

I can tell you that there seems to be a sense of stubborn inevitability about the end of the legislative session. Everyone is saying that everything is going to happen, from a property tax cap to gay marriage, but every time we waited outside the door for the Three Men in the Room to emerge, they came out and said nothing. In fact, sometimes, they said it wasn't going well at all, with Speaker Sheldon Silver explaining to us that frustration had started to set in.

Public health

Smokers are going to get a dose of reality every time they pick up a pack.

2012 presidential election

Jon Huntsman is going to echo — get this — Ronald Reagan in his announcement speech! Very original.

Here's a New York Times Magazine profile of Mr. Huntsman.

Fundraising

Obama's fundraiser at the White House — first reported by Nick Confessore, the soon-to-be-former Albany reporter of the New York Times — has raised criticism.

Afghanistan

LA Times: Obama, citing success in the fight against al-Qaeda, will recommend a steeper troop withdrawal.

Debts and deficits

The Washington Post says that talks between the White House and lawmakers on the debt are accelerating.

Air evac

Officials say air evac service is needed, but I'm being told it's got no chance in the Assembly.

War Powers

The WDT editorial board says Follow the law when it comes to the law that gives Congress oversight on war-making. Rep. Bill Owens didn't take a position on the issue when I asked him about it.