Defying Paterson, New York Senators End Session
By JEREMY W. PETERS and DANNY HAKIM
ALBANY — Senators defied Gov. David A. Paterson on Wednesday and refused to take up any of the 10 issues he put on the schedule for a legislative session, indefinitely postponing votes on same-sex marriage and other signature items of the governor’s agenda.
But Mr. Paterson responded by saying that if senators did not show up at the Capitol tomorrow, he would go to court to compel them to convene, setting the stage for a historic constitutional fight between the executive and legislative branches.
Democrats gaveled the session to order at 3:02 p.m. After a few short speeches in which they said the governor’s proclamation for a so-called extraordinary session had constitutional and legal problems, they adjourned at 3:07 p.m.
“Our members will be going home,” said Malcolm A. Smith, one of the leaders of the Senate Democratic conference.
Republicans, who have been feuding with Democrats for control of the Senate for the last two weeks, stayed out of the Senate chamber entirely.
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