Governor turns up the heat on senators

ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - Expect Governor David Paterson to turn up the heat on Senators who remain locked in a no-win power struggle.

The Governor has started his statewide tour Monday morning in Kingston, speaking to New Yorkers directly to hold Senators accountable for their inaction.

They gaveled-in and gaveled out this holiday weekend, meeting only for minutes and accomplishing nothing. They are still divided 31-31 in the State Senate, with no Lt. Governor to break the tie.
 
The Governor has been mediating the dispute, meeting with both sides last week. His own poll ratings with voters have been dismal. 

Maurice Carroll, Quinnipiac Poll said, "He's certainly trying. What he's doing makes sense and I think it's going to help him a little bit, a little bit in the poll numbers."

The Senators' pay is being withheld by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli tapping into a public sentiment that something has to be done.

The State Senators are due to meet again Monday, but there is no indication that any breakthrough is imminent.