The conviction of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is making waves across the entire New York political scene.

Silver, once considered to be the most powerful Democrat in Albany, was found guilty of abusing his position to collect millions in bribes and kickbacks. It is the largest public corruption case in New York in decades.

Silver joins a long list of lawmakers accused of crimes and corruption -- 43 in 12 years, many with Hudson Valley ties, including Sens. Vincent Leibell, Pedro Espada, Guy Velella and Thomas Libous.

Pace University law professor Bennett Gershman says it's likely that Westchester lawyer Anthony Mangone, who had his hand in many corruption cases across New York, will avoid prison for cooperating with the government. Mangone faces a 45-year sentence and is expected to be sentenced Monday.

Some say that one benefit to the corruption cases is that they increase the odds ethics reform will finally pass in Albany.

Silver's sentencing date has not been set yet, but he says he has plans on appealing the guilty verdict.