Staten Island has seen strong displays of advocacy lately, specifically from the Tea Party of Staten Island and the movement to save Pouch Camp. The election of President Obama, Mayor Bloomberg's third term, and the gridlock in Albany have caused Staten Islanders to be more aware of the political scene. 2010 is shaping up to be an interesting year for Staten Island politics. Here are my predictions:

1. Party lines will be blurred - Many voters have found themselves agreeing with those that they might not have agreed with in the past. Progressive Democrats and conservative Republicans are both very unsatisfied with the health care bill, for example. Also, Republicans and Democrats are both frustrated at Mayor Bloomberg's administration and the lack of progress when it comes to important issues such as traffic (MTA, anyone?)

2. South Shore's Changing - Evidenced by the amount of votes City Council candidate Janine Materna garnered in the recent election, it is clear that Democrats do exist in the South Shore and that they have begun voting for Democrats. Expect the South Shore to turn into a battleground for local candidates who know how to properly GOTV.

3. A Challenge to Rep. McMahon - As discussed before, due to his vote against the health care bill and the possibility of a strong Republican candidate in the fall, Congressman Mike McMahon won't have it as easy as last time. There are currently two Republican candidates, Michael Allegretti and Michael Grimm, vying for the nomination. If the Staten Island GOP gets behind one candidate early, then this could be a close one.

4. More movements - First, it was the Tea Party of SI - and they have been making considerable waves (though their dirty email lists make you wonder where they got all those email addresses). Now that New York is facing significant cutbacks, outrage from Staten Island couldn't be any higher. Don't be surprised to see movements against the MTA, Albany, or even the state of education.

5. Look towards the youth - Maybe they were inspired by the recent election of President Obama or maybe it's a generational thing. Either way, the young adults of Staten Island are quickly becoming the leaders for the borough. Look to them to make progress on issues that have stalled for us.