Kenneth C. Crowe II reports in the Albany Times Union that a whirlwind political deal went down in Rensselaer County this week. Grafton Town Justice Pierce Hoyt resigned his judgeship so that Deputy County Executive Christopher Meyer can run for his spot even though Meyer is not a lawyer. That means Meyer can decline the Independence Party nomination for county executive, so Republican Assemblyperson Steven McLaughlin -- who beat Meyer in the Republican primary -- can take the the Independence nomination for County Executive. Oh, and McLaughlin lost two previous court decisions to get that line on the ballot. "The voters of Rensselaer County are very perceptive and will reject the GOP backroom political deal-making and ballot maneuvering, and support the most qualified person with executive experience — Andrea Smyth," said County Democratic Chairman Michael J. Monescalchi. Read the full story in the Albany Times Union.