The "republicans" in western NY aren't much help to business either. In Monroe county' out "republican" county manager has imposed a lot of restrictions on businesses in the past year or so. A republican in New York is more likely to be liberal than in many other states.
As to Schumer, I actually like the guy. Hate his politics, but he is a lot like Damato. Likes face time on camera, and certainly eccentric, but if you got into a street brawl and he was with you, he wouldn't let you down. He doens't mind going to the matt for his constituents and he definitely has a genuine concern for them. Even if he has higher aspirations, he is at least trying to be the best senator he can be right now. It's not like out other senator who looks at her job as a necessary evil on the way to bigger political office.