By Mark Scott
Albany, NY – The State Senate's Democratic conference asked a judge Thursday morning to block the coalition that claims it took the majority power of the chamber Monday in a parliamentary power grab. A state Supreme Court judge in Rensselaer County heard initial arguments. The judge refused to block the takeover and has ordered more legal arguments. The Democrats claim the coalition's motion to seize power was never accepted for action on the floor and the insurgents' vote came after the Democratic conference had already adjourned Monday's session.
Senators Pedro Espada Jr. of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens joined with the Republican minority to form a bipartisan coalition with a 32-30 majority.
Meanwhile, the new coalition entered the Senate chambers during the 11am hour Thursday. The chambers had been locked since Monday. But the coalition's leadership says Senate Democrats has locked away bills and other documents needed to conduct business. And Monserrate is now saying he won't vote for any of the coalition's bills today. He says he wants to reach a compromise with Democrats who are boycotting the session.