Fight for control wages on in Senate

ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - It appears Republican Dean Skelos of Long Island is still the State Senate Majority Leader, but he has no majority to back him up.

Skelos called lawmakers in session Tuesday afternoon, but again, only 30 Republicans and one Democrat showed up, after the governor made a suggestion.

New York Governor David Paterson said, "We would come into the Senate and have no leadership."

Governor Paterson is desperately trying to get lawmakers from both sides of the aisle back in session in the State Senate, to put leadership differences aside, and vote on matters essential to local governments throughout the state.

Paterson said, "We would find someone who's perceived to be impartial to be the presiding officer, and then we would pass what is basically non-controversial legislation that would extend the sales taxes and other local government operations."

But the gridlock is worse than ever.

Earlier, Democrats failed in court to stop a Republican led coalition from taking over the reigns of power in the New York State Senate.

State Supreme Court Justice Thomas McNamara dismissed the case saying the courts should not get involved.

Justice McNamara said, "Gentlemen, my strong suggestion to you is that you go across the street and resolve this for the people of the State of New York."

Western New York Democratic Senator Bill Stachowski told News 4 he will not join Senate Republicans because he does not believe they represent a true coalition government.

Senator Stachowski said, "It's thirty Republicans and one Democrat, and I don't know where you would consider that a coalition government."

The governor notes that the "sand is slipping through the hourglass."

The session is due to end next Monday, with no resolution to the power struggle in sight.