If each side has 31 members, that means neither the Democrats or Republicans would have the 32 votes necessary to change the Senate’s leadership structure. Ordinarily the lieutenant governor would cast a tie-breaking vote, but that position has been vacant since Gov. David A. Paterson replaced Eliot Spitzer as governor in March 2008.
Monserrate Flips Back to Democrats
By DANNY HAKIM and JEREMY W. PETERSALBANY — A week after Republicans wrested power of the State Senate away from Democrats, their thin majority appeared to collapse.
Senator Hiram Monserrate, one of two Democrats who initially sided with Republicans to give them a 32-to-30 majority, has switched his allegiances again and plans to reaffirm himself as a member of the Democratic caucus, two people close to Mr. Monserrate said on Monday morning.
Asked if Mr. Monserrate was reuniting with Democrats, one of his senior advisers, Wayne Mahlke, said, “That’s my understanding, yes.”
Mr. Monserrate’s switch would leave the Senate split evenly at 31-to-31, suggesting an era of legislative gridlock that would be unparalleled even by Albany’s notoriously dysfunctional standards.
I know...let's send Monserrate to prison, where he should be.
Cripes...is it any wonder I rarely say anything about New York State politics? It's embarrassing.
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