Rooting Out Albany's Political Corruption

The Brian Lehrer Show | Dec 15, 2015

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara says politicians in Albany have a responsibility to police themselves to root out corruption, but they haven't exactly done a good job of that lately.

WNYC Albany reporter Karen Rouse and Albany bureau chief for The Daily News Ken Lovett talk about the U.S. attorney's work prosecuting corruption in Albany after the high-profile convictions of former state legislative leaders Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos.

Rouse says it's yet to be seen whether the type of corruption in Albany has been affecting policy (rather than, say, just lining the pockets of politicians).

And Lovett says the District Attorney and prosecutors have turned a blind eye to corruption for a long time, but now that Preet Bharara is on the scene, politicians are "rethinking how they do business."

→ Catch up on this story: Listen to U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara on yesterday's Brian Lehrer Show, discussing the recent convictions.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

One Refugee’s Journey Through ICE Detention

In 2025, ICE began detaining people at immigration hearings, an unprecedented step. The staff writer Jonathan Blitzer shares the story of one detainee whose life was turned upside down.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

Black and Latino Leaders React to DSA Wins

Jeffery Mays talks about how Black and Latino political leaders feel as members of DSA have gained power in NYC.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

Jewish elected leaders criticize Mamdani’s rhetoric after Upper West Side stabbings

Authorities charged the suspect, Raul Morales, with hate crimes on Friday.
Gothamist |

Cat Cohen's New Comedy Musical 'Broad Strokes'

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE