Hometown News: Senate Standoff Continues

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is asking a state judge to rule if he can withhold pay from state lawmakers involved in the ongoing feud in Albany. Comptroller DiNapoli argues he can hold onto paychecks for all 62 Senators with Governor Paterson refusing to take sides in the power struggle. The governor says the true leader of the Senate remains unclear. Another special session is scheduled for today. No officials business was conducted Monday in the state Senate.

A new concept been suggested to end the stalemate in the state Senate. A co-majority was proposed by Senate Republicans and renegade Democratic Senator Pedro Espada Jr. and would remain in effect through 2010. The Democratic conference has so far rejected the notion. The biggest barrier to continuing co-leadership would require Senate rules to be rewritten, which could become a long, drawn-out affair. Also, co-leaders could have trouble making personnel decisions regarding staff and other resources, since many positions are given to party loyalists.

One state Assemblyman wants Governor Paterson to appoint a Lieutenant Governor to break the stalemate in the state Senate. Assemblyman Michael Gianaris of Queens says current laws leave the door open for Paterson to make an appointment. The Lieutenant Governor's post has been vacant since Paterson assumed the governor's seat in the wake of the Eliot Spitzer scandal. The position has the power to break ties in the Senate. The move could spark lawsuits from the GOP, since Paterson would select a Democrat.

Hometown News: Senate Standoff

Governor David Paterson is trying to resolve the gridlock issues in Albany by keeping Senators there for the holiday weekend. Any public meeting between state Senate Republicans and Democrats to resolve the bitter leadership dispute will have to wait until Thursday. Republican leader Dean Skelos had offered to hold the get together Wednesday, but leaders with the Democratic conference say they need time "to work on arrangements and an agenda to ensure a productive negotiation."

Hometown News: Capital Chaos turns on Can of Coke

Governor Paterson is calling for another special session for today after a Republican state Senator created a stir in wandering into the Senate chamber to avoid a crowd. Queens state Senator Frank Padavan used the chamber as a short-cut to get a soda. Senate Democrats assert Padavan's presence gave them enough members to form a quorum of 32-votes and pass legislation. Governor Paterson is calling for an end to the game in Albany

But Governor Paterson will not recognize any of the measures Senate Democrats claimed to pass. No official business was accomplished.

Governor Paterson's standing among voters remains abysmal. That's according to the latest Marist poll, in which voters give the Democrat a 21-percent approval rating. Two-thirds of New Yorkers in the survey say Paterson is a weak leader.

HTN: Capital Chaos Continues

Capital chaos contiues today, and it may be getting more random. A state Supreme Court judge ordered the warring sides back to the state Senate for a working session this morning. Judge Joseph Teresi sided with Governor David Paterson in the now three-week long power struggle. Teresi ordered the Senate to convene for a special session at 10 a.m.

But Senate Republicans filed an appeal to stay the order, attempting to put this morning's session on hold. Democrats then took over the Senate chamber again, placing senators in two key leadership chairs to bolster their claim that they control the Senate. Dems say several pieces of legislation must be acted on by today or they will expire, and that billions in education, stimulus, housing and other federal money will be lost. Democratic conference leader John Sampson says the coup will end up costing New York taxpayers seven-point-two-billion dollars.

HTN: Senate Standoff Continues

The senate circus appears far from over. On Sunday, state lawmakers met for another emergency session and for the sixth straight day, they accomplished absolutely nothing. Governor David Paterson met with Democrats behind closed doors last night, but says the meeting didn't result in a solution to the power sharing struggle. Meantime, turncoat Senator Pedro Espada says he's being approached by Democrats who want him to return to the caucus. That would give Democrats the majority. Governor Paterson has called another special session for today and says he'll even order one on July 4th if the power struggle hasn't been resolved by then. Both sides of the aisle held separate sessions on Sunday, but no legislation was passed. Paterson has called the senators "derelict in their duty" and has promised to cut millions of dollars of pork-barrel projects until the Senate gets back to normal. The governor has also ordered state officials to find a way to cut off senators' expenses reimbursement and paychecks.

Hometown News: Albany Deal Nearing?

Governor Paterson is calling state Senators back to Albany for a fourth special session this afternoon. Lawmakers met briefly for separate extraordinary sessions. Both Republicans and Democrats gaveled in and out of meetings that lasted no longer than five-minutes. No official business was carried out. Governor Paterson blasts the Senate leaders for a lack of leadership. Meanwhile, both Republican and Democratic state Senators claim a deal is within reach to share power.

Hometown News: Another Day, Another Special Session

Governor David Paterson is calling state Senate Democrats back to Albany for another special session this afternoon. The governor is making good on his promise to continue calling special sessions until the power struggle over the Senate is resolved. Deposed majority leader Malcolm Smith had threatened that he and other Democrats were going home after holding a five-minute special session without voting on an issue. Republicans did not attend after issues of legality were raised. Governor Paterson threatened to go to court to keep Democrats in Albany, which did not sit well with state Senator Eric Adams

As of late Wednesday, both Senate Democrats and Republicans say they're planning to attend this afternoon's 3 p.m., session.The governor is also consulting with the state Comptroller's office to dock pay and stipends since the political coup began two-weeks ago.
Paterson insists calling the state Senate back for a special session is within his authority. Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos says Senators are getting down to making a deal.

State Senator Jeff Klein notes the state Constitution allows the governor to recall just state Senators to Albany for a special session. But Klein is not certain if any of the measures approved during Tuesday's special session would stand up to a legal challenge.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli says vital state programs face a 1-billion-dollar risk if the chaos in the state Senate continues. With less than a week left to come up with a solution, DiNapoli is calling for responsible leadership, and urging lawmakers to pass legislation. Without Senate action by June 30th, local governments will be looking at a potential 750-million-dollars in revenue losses. More than 30 counties are facing the loss of up to 25-percent of their sales tax revenues, which would likely lead to drastic cuts in every level of local government across the state.

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.

Hometown News: Dems Hold Lock-In

About 18 Democratic senators have occupied the State Senate chamber and locked the doors, barring the press and public from the gallery. They say they'll let their Republican foes in before a 3 p-m special session ordered by Gov. David Paterson. GThe governor says he wants votes on 55 time-sensitive measures that are considered non-controversial items.
Earlier, Standing Senate President Pedro Espada Junior had said a deal was in the works to share power. But former majority leader Malcolm Smith said progress has been slow.

HTN: Paterson to Call Special Session

Although the legislative session is supposed to come to an end today, senators could be staying in Albany a bit longer. Fed up with the partisan bickering, Governor David Paterson is ordering a special session beginning Tuesday that could keep senators in Albany every day, including weekends and the July 4th holiday.

The Senate has been at a standstill for weeks, after Republicans seized control of the chamber and a bitter fight has been raging over leadership positions.Paterson warns Senators that there will be no excuses and no tolerance for not complying with the order. Democrats have refused to enter a session under the Republican control and Republicans have not been willing to enter any power-sharing agreements. Paterson announced that former Lieutenant Governor Stan Lundine and former state Senator John Dunne will act as mediators in the leadership dispute in the state Senate.

Hometown News: Capital Chaos

State lawmakers in Albany are heading home for the weekend without resolving the power struggle over the state Senate. Senate Democrats refused to attend a session convened by Republicans for a fourth consecutive day. Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson refuses to acknowledge the political coup putting Republicans and one defiant Democrat in charge. State Senator Eric Schneiderman calls the negotiations difficult.

But both sides did agree to keep sending paychecks to Senators and staff before leaving for the weekend. Democratic conference officials say they plan to file an appeal to the decision made earlier this week by a state judge to not interfere in the power struggle and let the senators figure it out for themselves.

Democrat state Senator Pedro Espana Jr., who broke away from the party in an attempt to lead the Republican takeover of the Senate, claims the chamber is no longer deadlocked. Espana claims that his position as president pro tempore also makes him acting lieutenant governor, giving him a second vote. Other Democrats of course disagree.They will file a motion to try and keep Espada from acting as temporary president of the Senate.

If state Senators don't resolve their leadership dispute and return to session, dozens of counties could be looking at increasing property taxes. The New York State Association of Counties says that there are 36 home rule bills pending that would extend the current sales tax rates in 36 counties and New York City. Without those bills being enacted, county leaders say the only alternatives are to cut services and jobs or increase property taxes.

HTN: Capital Chaos

There is still no deal in Albany over just who has control of the state Senate. The power struggle that has brought gridlock to the Senate for over a week continues as both Democrats and Republicans maintain they are in control of the chamber. Meanwhile, dozens of bills still need to be voted on before the current legislative session ends. Without a quorum, no bills are being debated or passed. Governor Paterson is calling on both sides to return to the Senate chamber and get back to doing the work of the people. Neither side in the leadership war in the state Senate is giving in. The Republican who claims to be Majority Leader -- Dean Skelos -- notes that Democratic Senators who've refused to go into session are still getting paid.

One bill in Albany which could get held up by the chaos in the Senate is a measure to tighten restrictions on teen drivers. The bill was approved unanimously in the Assembly Wednesday, but it is uncertain if the Senate will reconvene. The measure would require teen drivers to pass 50 hours of behind the wheel training before getting a license, up from 20 hours. It would also limit non-family passengers under the age of 21 to just one, when a teen is driving. Teen drivers also would not be able to plea to lesser offenses on traffic violations like speeding and would have to obtain a learner's permit for at least six months before getting a license. The bill also bans texting while driving for all ages.

Hometown News: Capital Chaos

The standoff at the state Senate continues. Democrats yesterday refused to enter a legislative session, as attempts to forge a power sharing agreement with Republicans have so far failed. The GOP has refused any agreement saying they are in control of the Senate as a result of last week's vote. A judge yesterday dismissed the Democrats legal attempt to block the coup, saying it was not a matter for the courts to decide. Democrats claim last week's vote to change power in the Senate was illegal but won't appeal the court's decision.

Governor Paterson is urging Senators to get back to work and to figure out the leadership question at a later date. Paterson won't call a special session to try to resolve the leadership dispute because he believes he would be tainting the process.

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.

Hometown News: Capital Chaos

Capital Chaos continues, as a matter of fact, it might be getting worse. Hiram Monserrate of Queens, one of the two Democrats who decided last week to vote with the Republicans in the State Senate is apparently returning to the Democratic caucus. Just yesterday, Brooklyn Senator Pedro Espada, the other renegade Democrat who joined the GOP caucus, said he and Monserrate were staying put, but Monserrate has reportedly bowed to intense lobbying by the Reverend Al Sharpton. A move back by Monserrate would throw the chaotic chamber into a 31-31 tie.

On Friday, Senate Democrats settled on Brooklyn's John Sampson to replace Malcolm Smith as leader of their conference, but to keep Smith as the majority leader. That apparently paved the way for Monserrate to move back. Smith tried to downplay the chaos while marching at the Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday. A judge in Albany says he will rule on who controls the state Senate, if the two sides can't work it out by this afternoon.

Hometown News: Capital Chaos

The coup in Albany has Senate democrats heading back to court today. Senate Republicans will try again on Monday to try and get back to work. A judge has ordered Democrats to return to court today to present further arguments as to why they believe it is not legal for one of the Democrats, State Senator Pedro Espada, to head the new coalition.

State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo says he continues to monitor the developments in Albany closely, but has yet to become involved in the political maneuvering. Senate Democrats are calling on the state's top prosecutor to investigate whether any money was offered to two renegade Senate Democrats from billionaire Tom Golisano, who helped orchestrate the Senate take over.

Police are investigating a possible break-in to the Westchester County home of state Senator Pedro Espada Junior. The state Senator says he checked in on his Mamaroneck residence on his way back from Albany on late Thursday afternoon and discovered files had been lifted from his office.

Hometown News: Capital Chaos

The showdown in Albany continues today. Republicans plan to reconvene the state Senate after failing to meet yesterday, while disposed Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith goes to court. Senate Republicans and two renegade Democrats were supposed to call the new governing coalition into order yesterday, but that did not happen. Bronx Senator Pedro Espada Junior says he needed more time to attempt to sway other Democrats to join the new bipartisan caucus.

Meanwhile, Queens state Senator Hiram Monserrate held closed-door meetings with the GOP and Democrats, both courting his support. But Monserrate says he's sticking with the Senate Republicans in forming a reform government. Governor David Paterson is calling on state senators to resolve their power struggle and is pledging to work with whoever wins.

Hometown News: Albany Tug-of-War

The second round of the Albany power struggle is expected to play out this afternoon. Republicans will call the state Senate back into session as the majority coalition. But the state Senate chamber remains locked with Democrats holding the keys. Democrats are vowing to take back control after the unexpected take over caught party leaders off guard. Billionaire Sabres owner Tom Golisano, who worked behind the scenes to orchestrate the political coup, says Senate Democrats should admit defeat.

Senator Dean Skelos vows to make restoring a tax cut to New York homeowners one of his first actions as Senate Majority Leader. Skelos plans to bring back the STAR program. The rebates were cut under the current state budget package to close New York's 17-billion-dollar budget gap. Skelos says new leadership was formed to turn back Democratic overspending and overtaxing.

One of the organizers behind the shake up of the state Senate could be in line for a top position. Steve Pigeon is a former Erie County Democratic Party leader who could become top counsel to Senator Pedro Espada, the Bronx Democrat who helped engineer the coup, and is now the new Senate president. Espada is currently first in line to succeed Governor Paterson, should the need arise.