Annie
Diamond Member
- Nov 22, 2003
- 50,848
- 4,828
- 1,790
Will it hold up? Is it a harbinger?
GOP TAKES CONTROL OF STATE SENATE - New York Post
GOP TAKES CONTROL OF STATE SENATE - New York Post
GOP TAKES CONTROL OF STATE SENATE
By FREDRIC U. DICKER
June 8, 2009 --
ALBANY -- Republicans appear to have retaken control of the state Senate this afternoon after two dissident Democrats crossed the aisle in a parliamentary coup.
"An historic change in leadership is taking place at this moment and a new bipartisan, coalition is being established that is bringing real reform to the Senate RIGHT NOW," according to a news advisory sent out by the GOP.
The Associated Press reported that two Democrats -- Hiram Monserrate of Queens and Pedro Espada, Jr. of the Bronx -- are poised to announce that they have decided to caucus with the GOP out of anger at Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith.
The flip gives Republicans a 32-30 edge in the chamber and ensures that Smith is longer the majority leader.
Democrats tried to leave the chamber at one point -- even turning off the lights briefly before order was restored.
Democrats said they plan to take the fight to court....