The New York Times reports:
Republicans regained control of the New York State Senate on Monday afternoon, winning support from two dissident Democrats [including Hiram Monserrate] in a surprise power-sharing deal. The sudden coup effectively ended Democratic control of Albany after five months and allowed Dean G. Skelos of Long Island to reclaim the title of majority leader, replacing Malcolm A. Smith of Queens.
The shakeup also left Pedro Espada Jr., a Bronx Democrat, as president of the Senate. He becomes the highest ranking Latino in the state’s history, but will have to share power with Mr. Skelos.
. . . The change of power upends the legislative debate in Albany and changes the landscape on any number of issues, from mayoral control of New York City’s schools to gay marriage.
Both Malcolm Smith, who has called the coup “illegal,” and Hiram Monseratte, who says he is still a Democrat, have issued press releases.
What this means for gay marriage is unclear, from a vote number standpoint. Espada supports gay marriage, and Monserrate is undecided.
Daniel O’Donnell has weighed in on how this will affect his gay marriage bill. He said he was “absolutely” sure there was support among Republican senators for the bill and said he did not immediately plan to let up in his lobbying. He went on to say, “I continue to believe it is a possibility this year to get this done. It was never going to be an easy thing to get done, but it’s still possible,” he said.
The new Senate leaders have also issued the new rules of the Senate.
Video of the swearing in of Espada and Skelos. As well as explanations (?) of the new rules.
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