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New York’s Governor Paterson has done everything he can to get the New York Senate to vote on marriage equality.

The vote was supposed to happen today, but late this afternoon that vote was delayed. From the NYT:

photo: NYT

Republicans and Democrats said that as of Tuesday afternoon, the measure was still several votes short of the 32 necessary for approval. About five Democrats remained either opposed or noncommittal, meaning that Republican votes were needed to secure passage.

But not enough Republicans have committed to voting yes, legislators said. The Democrats have a 32-30 majority in the Senate.

. . . “We’ve always said the [Deficit Reduction Plan] is the priority,” said Senator Pedro Espada Jr., the majority leader . . . “We also know there’s a great expectation surrounding marriage equality. And my personal view is it should come up for a vote. As for when, let’s just put it this way: In my view I think it will follow the D.R.P. We’ll come back next week. That’s the scenario that I think is reasonable.”

. . . The bill’s sponsor in the Senate, Thomas K. Duane, could not say whether the bill would come to the floor.

“I am optimistic,” Senator Duane said, adding that he was continuing to discuss the matter with his colleagues. “I will keep you posted.”

Also recall that Espada suggested linking the marriage bill with the farm workers’ rights bill. From NY Daily News:

For those trying to get a read on whether the marriage bill will come up for a vote Tuesday, this cannot come as good news. It seems to be that Espada is setting himself up with an out should the bill come to the floor – or, at the very least, an excuse for voting “no”.