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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Democratic State Senator David Valesky is no stranger to tough re-election battles. He has faced challenges ever since taking his Senate seat in 2004.

But in 2012, Valesky will run unopposed.

The big change since 2010? Valesky was among four Senate members who joined an Independent Democratic caucus. That has made him a lower priority target for the majority GOP.

"I think choices are good. I do. But I also think that where there are legislators who are able to produce results in a bipartisan fashion, then I think that choice is significant as well," said Valesky, who represents the 48th State Senate District.

Republican Senator John DeFrancisco of the 50th State Senate District said, "As a practical matter, I think Dave has shown that he's voted consistently with the Republicans in the Senate the last couple years. And there's really no reason to go after him to maintain the voting base that we really want to move New York State forward."

DeFrancisco faces no Democratic challenger this year, although there will be a Green Party candidate in his race for re-election.