Republicans Seize Control of New York State Senate

[dbackjon]

Republicans seized control of the New York State Senate on Monday, in a stunning and sudden reversal of fortunes for the Democratic Party, which controlled the chamber for barely five months.

A raucous leadership fight erupted on the floor of the Senate around 3 p.m., with two Democrats, Pedro Espada Jr. of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens, joining the 30 Senate Republicans in a motion that would displace Democrats as the party in control.

It was a noisy and acrimonious scene on the floor of the Senate as Senator Thomas W. Libous, a Republican from Binghamton and the party’s deputy leader, shouted for a roll-call vote, while Democrats attempted to stall the vote by asking to adjourn the session.

All 30 Republicans stood with their hands raised, signaling a vote for a change in leadership. Mr. Espada and Mr. Monserrate joined them, each raising his hand. It appeared that Republicans had won the vote by a 32-to-30 margin. If the Republicans retake the chamber, Dean G. Skelos, of Long Island, would likely be the new majority leader.

[dbackjon]

Why Mr. Espada and Mr. Monserrate suddenly defected on Monday afternoon was not immediately clear. Both men are under investigation by the authorities. The state attorney general’s office is investigating a health care agency, Soundview HealthCare Network, that Mr. Espada ran until recently. And Mr. Monserrate, who was indicted on felony assault charges in March stemming from an attack on his companion, would automatically be thrown out of office if convicted.

One source of contention among Democrats recently has been Mr. Smith’s support for same-sex marriage. Senator Rubén Díaz Sr., a Democrat from the Bronx, has been outspoken in his insistence that legislation allowing gay couples to marry not be allowed to come to a vote. Some had speculated he might leave the Democratic Party if Mr. Smith were to allow a vote.

But Mr. Díaz did not join Mr. Espada and Mr. Monserrate in the leadership vote on Monday. It was not immediately clear whether the same-sex marriage legislation played any role in the leadership dispute.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/ ... of-senate/

[citdog]

very instructive

[danefan]

The writing has been on the wall for a while. The potential was discussed in March I think, albeit the abrupt actions are interesting.

We Albany fans have been watching the Senate and Assembly closely as of late. Buffalo got a bill through the Senate last week that, if passed by the Assembly, will effectively remove UB from the beurocracy of the SUNY system. There is also language in the bill which will forbid Albany, Stony Brook and Bingamton from receiving any increase in funding. A total power play attempt by Buffalo to get this done before the new SUNY chancellor has time to do anything.

We had some indication that the bill wouldn't get through the Assembly, but I didn't think it was going to get through the Senate either.

[TwinTownBisonFan]

Dean Skelos is a colossal asshole...

i had him as client back in the day.

[CID1990]

Dean Skelos is a colossal *******...

i had him as client back in the day.

Were you a hooker or a lawyer?

Nevermind.

[dbackjon]

Dean Skelos is a colossal *******...

i had him as client back in the day.

Were you a hooker or a lawyer?

Nevermind.

[Ivytalk]

Dean Skelos is a colossal *******...

i had him as client back in the day.

Back in the day when you were a Republican, and the world was new, and you got laid once in awhile.

[TwinTownBisonFan]

Dean Skelos is a colossal *******...

i had him as client back in the day.

Back in the day when you were a Republican, and the world was new, and you got laid once in awhile.

back when i was a vendor and took contracts where i could get them... btw... get laid about as often now with the dems as i did as goper (but goper girls were a LOT easier...)

[UNHWildCats]

This is from the Daily News website...

[Ivytalk]

This is from the Daily News website...

Gotta love The Daily News! They call 'em like they see 'em! Best paper in NYC. Certainly the best sports section!