By Mark Scott
Albany, NY – State senators, caught in a power struggle that has led to gridlock in the chamber for two weeks, are discussing a temporary power sharing arrangement. The deal would rotate presidents of the Senate and create two equal floor leaders.
But Governor David Paterson denied their request to delay his order for a special session by at least 24 hours so that they could work out a plan.
So for now, Paterson says the Senate will convene Tuesday afternoon at 3:00. They'll be asked to act on bills that need immediate attention. After that, Paterson said he will keep state senators in Albany every day until the "people's business" is completed.
Although senators must attend special sessions, they aren't required to vote.
Meanwhile, a poll out Monday by the Siena Research Institute suggests the Senate dispute is causing a record number of New Yorkers to say the state is heading in the wrong direction.