The state's largest business lobby has started a new Internet blog to be a "sounding board" on state politics.

The Business Council of New York State Inc.'s blog is designed to be an "open forum" on the many business-related issues that come before state government. The blog could provide "insight into the back rooms and deal-making that rule New York," the lobby group said.

The Web site is capitalbusinessblog.bcnys.org.

"We hope to be your primary source for all the political activities that take place in the halls of government," the blog says. "We also hope to give you a voice with influential politicians on business-related issues."

The lobby used to have a blog called the Knickerbocker Blog, which had been inactive since former spokesman Matthew Maguire left in January 2008.

Current spokesman Michael Moran said the lobby modeled its new blog, in part, after blogs at various chambers of commerce. Moran said the new blog taps into a niche.

"This is a way to keep the legislative and budget issues in front of people in a different way, other than the traditional Web site and press releasese," Moran said.

Early posts on the blog link to articles about several state budget topics, as well as a statement from Ken Adams, the lobby's president and CEO, on proposed income tax increases that Democratic legislators are pushing for.

- The Business Review (Albany)