ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Republicans appear to have retaken control of New York’s Senate after two dissident Democrats jumped the aisle in a parliamentary coup.
The flip of senators Pedro Espada Jr. of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens gives Republicans a 32-30 edge in the chamber.
Within an hour of the overthrow, Republicans named Espada temporary president of the Senate Dean Skelos of Nassau County vice president and majority leader. Skelos is the former majority leader.
Those are the most powerful positions in the chamber. With them, the bipartisan coalition can direct legislation and reassign committee and leadership posts.
Democrats tried to leave the chamber, even turning off the lights briefly. They are expected to challenge Monday’s action in court.
Local News
June 8, 2009
BREAKING NEWS: Republicans grab control of NYS Senate
- Local News
-
-
Hiring clause added by IDA
Applicants must now use “best efforts” to use local labor.
-
Bold statement
Oliver Street pizzeria gets in on the act.
-
Tax scams flourishing says state AG
Attorney general warns residents to be cautious.
-
LEAP volunteers sought
Literacy Empowerment Action Plan of WNY seeking people 55 and up.
-
Senior citizens rely on budget for health care
AARP urges restoration of funding.
-
GM gearing up
Tonawanda GM plant unveils new training facility, parts assembly; plans to hire.
-
Body of missing woman found
Police look for clues to explain death of Judith Burr.
-
Mayor lays out plan in state of city address
Cutting government waste, utilizing waterfront a ‘recipe for success’
-
Niagara woman is fooled by ‘phisher’
Caller was able to infiltrate her computer.
-
Canal Fest, city spar over closing time
Police chief, council members debate 11 p.m. closing time.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Hiring clause added by IDA
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
