An annual flight of birds of a feather, headed north last weekend.  

The multi-colored array of travelers, make this trip every year and gather in Albany to commiserate as individuals and as a flock.  Some of the them have soared liked ‘eagles’ and attacked liked ‘hawks’, while others have flopped like ‘penguins’ or put themselves in the ‘do-do’ classification. 

They are the Black and Latino caucuses of state and city legislators.

The trip was, more than not, a chance for politicians of color to plan their strategies for holding on to or maybe even expanding the power they have managed to garner.  

It’s also a chance for everyone — from new fledglings to the survivors of the game — to see old friends, and be inspired by positive energy.

The term ‘Black and Latino caucus’ is an oxymoron, some critics have said.

Some think these groups have never really had a caucus big enough to swing a heavy political stick.  

But others feel the gathering has not only been necessary, but beneficial for keeping politicians of color on the same page when dealing with upstart, uppity, Upstate Republicans, who consistently vote against legislation that would benefit the communities Black and Latino law makers serve.  

The threat of having a block of votes that could line up as payback against an individual or group of rightwing reps is something they keep in mind.

This year, there were less “Latino” lawmakers at this session.

The caucus is a Democratic wing and in the last eight years it seems more Latino votes seem to wind up in the elephant side of the ballots.

That may explain the apparent thinning of the so-called coalition. 

It’s sad because the thinning is taking place just when it seemed like the coalition was really able to pack a punch.

Governor George Pataki and Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno gave at least the appearance of being impressed. 

Bruno was working the rooms during the early part of the session telling those bland dairy-land jokes and shaking the hands of the people who have either been at odds with him for years or are new foes yet unannounced.

The governor, who just cut a deal with the largest health care union in the state didn’t have to show — especially if you believe his poll numbers which say he would beat both Andrew Cuomo or Carl McCall if the election for governor was held right now. 

But he came anyway.

He even gave a speech. 

It wasn’t a substantive oratory presentation but he was there just the same to let folks know that he is aware of their presence.

The Republicans have not missed the events of the past year and they know that the Black and Latino vote can provide a surprise or two during an election. 

They know that while race is an important factor in the upcoming statewide runs, nothing is a lock anymore when it comes to party loyalty, at least among the Democrats.

The only other entity yet to learn this lesson is the Democratic Party of New York and those who run it. 

Many still think that old block will line up and spend their time and money simply trying to convince middle of the road whites to pull the lever in their direction in September and November.

They should know that if Cuomo wins because of race-based mud slinging, they run the risk of Blacks not only staying home but retaliating to make a point a la last year’s Mayoral Candidate Mark Green.

They should also know that if McCall wins by simply campaigning for issues outside our community, he runs the risk of retaliation. 

I’m not very hopeful. 

But who knows they may surprise me.