Hometown News: Albany in Chaos

Albany begins its final two weeks of its legislative session in chaos. Republicans are apparently back in control of the state Senate. Senate Republican Senator Dean Skelos says they've formed a coalition government in partnering with two renegade Democrats.

Democrats Pedro Espada Junior of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens said they've joined with the 30 Senate Republicans in a motion that would displace Democrats as the party in control. Billionaire Sabres owner Tom Golisano reportedly assisted in uniting the new coalition in the state Senate.

Governor David Paterson blasts the coup in the capital, putting the Republicans back in charge of the state Senate. The Governor says the Republican takeover shuts down state government during the final two weeks of the legislative session and will leave several issues -- same-sex marriage, ethics reform, and property-tax reform -- unresolved. Paterson says he still recognizes Malcolm Smith as Senate Majority Leader at this time with the leadership of the Senate in dispute.

Malcolm Smith calls the move to overthrow the Democratic-led majority "illegal and unlawful." He doesn't recognize the new government. Smith plans to challenge through the courts. Democrats attempted to block the political coup in leaving the Senate chamber and shutting off the lights.