By Tyler A. McNeil/The Leader-Herald NISKAYUNA - While Hugh Farley doesn't live in New York anymore, the retired Republican statesman still has an Empire State of mind. Farley, who turns 91 on Nov. 26, served in the state Senate from 1977 to 2016 — the second-longest tenure in chamber history. While representing the greater Capital Region, he backed development initiatives in Schenectady, created hospice care and remained competitive in Democratic strongholds despite his opposition to issues such as marriage equality. During the first half of his life, the North Country-raised U.S. Army veteran worked in education and law. Always carrying…