Bad News for Democrats and Gay Marriage from New York

The Republicans in the New York Senate have successfully staged a coup, something which will undoubtedly smash hopes for a more progressive agenda to come out of the New York State Legislature this term.

The New York Times writes: "A raucous leadership fight erupted on the floor of the Senate around 3 p.m., with two Democrats, Pedro Espada Jr. of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens, joining the 30 Senate Republicans in a motion that would displace Democrats as the party in control...

After the results of the vote were read aloud, the in-house television station that carries Senate proceedings live in the Capitol went dark. All that appeared on the screen was a still photo of the Senate chamber and the words “Please stand by.”

As the events were unfolding on the floor, Senator Malcolm A. Smith of Queens, leader of the Senate Democrats, huddled in the hall just off the Senate chamber and consulted with his staff. When asked what was occurring, he responded, “I’m trying to find out right now.”...

Why Mr. Espada and Mr. Monserrate suddenly defected on Monday afternoon was not immediately clear. Both men are under investigation by the authorities. The state attorney general’s office is investigating a health care agency, Soundview HealthCare Network, that Mr. Espada ran until recently. And Mr. Monserrate, who was indicted on felony assault charges in March stemming from an attack on his companion, would automatically be thrown out of office if convicted.

If Mr. Monserrate is convicted, the Senate would be evenly split between the parties, 31 to 31. But with the lieutenant governor’s office vacant until the 2010 elections, there would be no tie-breaking vote in the chamber unless one or more other senators changed sides."

The Albany Project is reporting that no one has any real clear idea about what's been going on at the State House today. Clearly, it would be easier to make sense of it had the television system not gone out (or been shut off...).

Meanwhile Senate Leader Malcolm Smith is telling everyone that what the Republicans attempted was illegal and he's still the leader.

Things certainly will be interesting in Albany over the next few days. More on this as I learn about it...

Nate Silver confirms that, given today's events, he believes same-sex marriage is DOA in New York until after Election 2010.

Natch Greyes is a Democrat running for Senate in 2020. His campaign platform may be found at natchgreyes.com Sphere: Related Content