Hometown News: Capital Circus

The theater of the absurd continues inside the Senate chamber in Albany. Democratic and Republican state senators entered the chambers yesterday afternoon and tried to run their own legislative sessions while ignoring the other side. Senators from both sides called for votes on bills, many times talking over each other even though they were mere feet apart inside the chamber. Governor David Paterson is calling for another special session and adding a gay marriage bill to the agenda.

The governor seeking a vote on a same-sex marriage bill has reportedly angered Bronx state Senator Ruben Diaz, Senior. Diaz is reportedly considering siding with colleague, Senator Pedro Espada, in caucusing with Republicans and putting the GOP in control of the Senate. Diaz blasts Governor Paterson's decision to hold a special session.

State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo says it's time to put partisan politics aside in Albany. Cuomo says state Senators are needed to vote on important issues that impact the lives of everyday New Yorkers.

His approval in a free-fall for most of 2009, a new survey says David Paterson's standing with voters may have bottomed out. According to a new Quinnipiac University poll, the Governor's disapproval rating of 61 percent is the same that it was in the May 13 poll on the same subject. Just 28 percent of those asked approve of Paterson's job performance. In a potentential 2010 Democratic Primary, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo trounces Paterson 51-20 percent.