OntheWilderSide

KW: Seems to be that the Democratic officials are whimping out, and willing to let Espada-the-traitor save face. As a voter from NY (who dislikes the Dems and Reps, but the Reps more), I am not pleased:

Check out the full story at: The Capitol Confidential blog/Time Union
Leaders nearing deal, fractured Dems sticking point
June 26, 2009 at 8:11 am by Irene Jay Liu

Senate leaders are nearing a power-sharing accord to allow the chamber to move forward, according to a source close to the negotiations. The agreement would be in effect through 2010.

There are a few remaining items left for the principals to agree on, but the leadership question seems to have been resolved. The lineup:

President pro tempore: Democratic Sen. Malcolm Smith

Senate majority leader: Republican Sen. Dean Skelos

Vice-president pro tempore: Democratic Sen. Pedro Espada

Democratic conference leader: Democratic Sen. John Sampson

According to the source, the challenge now is convincing the fractured Democratic conference to go along with this agreement, which would maintain Smith as the top Democrat in the Senate chamber…

As far as the terms of expiration (in many power-sharing agreements in a tied chamber, the agreement expires when one side gains a majority), Democrats want a firm deal that ignores defections (such as the June 8 coup), but contemplates elections. The GOP-led coalition wants a firm deal through 2010, irrespective of changes in the chamber.

And there could be a few changes in the member-count – if Democratic Sen. Darrel Aubertine or any of the Senate Republicans  run and win the election to replace Rep. John McHugh, if Democrats Sen. Kevin Parker or Hiram Monserrate, who are currently indicted, are convicted of felony charges, if any senators decide to retire.

Filed under: New York State Politics, News, politics Tagged: | coup, Dean Skelos, Espada, John Sampson, Malcolm Smith, Monserrate, NY, State Senate