Heard Around Town: Gianaris downplays Clinton's email problems

New York's Democratic Senate Campaign Committee Chairman Michael Gianaris predicts only good things to come for his candidates next year – even as concerns mount about the struggles of the party's likely standard-bearer.

“In terms of the elections themselves, we were successful in electing a majority to the [state] Senate in each of the two last presidential cycles, so we remain very optimistic for next year,” said Gianaris, a Queens state senator. “With a hometown candidate [Hillary Clinton], we expect an even larger boost leading our ticket next year.”

Gianaris said he is not concerned that Clinton’s inability to shut down questions about her State Department email practices could trip up Democrats on the state level. He added that presidential candidates are usually at their lowest at this point in the election cycle.

“I expect once the Republicans settle on someone – whether it’s Donald Trump, or Ted Cruz or Scott Walker, any of these guys – the starkness of the choice will overwhelm any of these lingering concerns that may be affecting the ups and downs a year and three months out,” he said. “I think it’s something that needs to be addressed. I think Hillary Clinton is doing her best to answer the questions and be cooperative and I expect it is something that will dealt with before the election next year.”