What's the Deal?
June 26th, 2009
Word is a deal is taking shape that that would allow the Senate to get back to work. The much talked about arraignment would have Sen. Malcolm Smith serve as president pro tempore, Sen. Dean Skelos as majority leader, Sen. Pedro Espada as vice president pro tempore and Sen. John Sampson as leader of the Democratic conference. The only problem is, well, there are lots of problems.
First off Republicans and Espada came out of negotiations this morning to deny they would accept a deal that recognized them as holding anything other than the posts they say they were elected to during the June 8 coup.
On the Democrats’ side there are hang-ups about giving Espada a significant post and how long the deal will last. Republicans want a deal to last for two years, while Democrats want a shorter term.
There is a lot at stake here, including eventual redistricting. Republicans want to keep themselves relevant as Democrats win more seats. And Democrats want to make sure they have the ability to flex their muscles if their ranks grow in next year’s election.
Perhaps more significantly, there is a lot of strife in the Democratic conference. Members are unhappy that Smith has managed to remain in control of the conference, after they say his “abysmal” leadership got them into this mess in the first place. The Democrats’ dissatisfaction with their leadership has been growing over the last few days. If the consternation continues some Democrats say it could lead to further splinters in the already fractured party.
Meanwhile, both sides will continue the trend of gaveling quickly in and out of session until a deal solidifies. Today Democrats used their time in the chamber to recognize the passing of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson with a moment of silence. That is your government hard at work.
Both sides have pointed to Monday as a reasonable date to expect a deal. If that happens, they have a lot of legislation to act on before June 30–including mayoral control of New York City schools.
By David King on June 26, 2009, 12:08 pmIn category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

