Change of power in NYS Senate

ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - New York Democrats are still reeling from Monday's Republican takeover of state senate leadership.

One day after two downstate Democrats voted to side with the Republican majority, there is no scheduled session for Tuesday, an unexpected hold up before summer break.

Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith said, "We have nine days left in session, and they chose to do politics over the people's business."

Sabres' owner Tom Golisano is believed to be a major force in convincing the two Democrats to vote to switch the majority.

"Now anything goes. Wealthy donors walking around taking credit for it after it happens. Is that reform?" asked New York Governor David Paterson.

"It's not just millionaires like Mr. Golisano. It's regular people, family businesses," said Erie County GOP Chairman James Domagalski.
   
Erie County's Republican Chairman sees this as an opportunity for the Senate to go back into session and start making more cuts to the state budget.

"One party Democratic rule since January 1 has been a disaster in New York State," said Domagalski.

But it's a disaster that took more than five months to create according to Erie County's Democratic chair.

Erie Co. Democratic Chairman Len Lenihan said, "We basically picked up the mess that they handed us and so now everybody wants to point fingers of who's to blame here."

The new leadership said it has already changed some rules.

"Now, if you introduce a bill, you can get an up and down vote on it," said Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer.  "Sessions and our votes, committee votes will now be on line. People can see what we do."

There was a series of meetings overnight between political leaders and lawyers. The Democratic conference is expected to challenge the legality of this leadership change that caught even political insiders off guard.

Mickey Carroll, Quinnipiac University Pollster said, "Truth is nuttier than fiction. You have to wonder what they'll do for an encore."

The priorities of the new Senate Majority may include tax and spending caps and blocking a bill that would've legalized same sex marriage in NY. There is no scheduled time for session to resume.