Hometown News: Albany Power-Sharing

State Senate Democrats have reached a power sharing deal that seems to strip Majority Leader Malcolm Smith of much of his power while bringing another senator to the forefront of the party. Smith says the deal allows him to retain his title of Senate Majority Leader-President Pro Temp, while Senator John Sampson of Brooklyn now assumes the role of conference leader. The deal was announced yesterday. Senator Hiram Monserrate of Queens, who previously sided with the GOP, announced that he once again will support his fellow Democrats. Monserrate's latest flip-flop leaves the Senate deadlocked 31-31. Senators say they will try once again to get back to business today.