Power Shift in NY Senate?
Republicans appear to have taken control of New York's Senate after two Democrats jumped the aisle in a parliamentary coup.
The flip of senators Pedro Espada Jr. and Hiram Monserrate gives Republicans a 32-30 edge in the chamber.
Within an hour of the overthrow, Republicans named Espada temporary president of the Senate and Dean Skelos vice president and majority leader.
Democrats tried to leave the chamber, even turning off the lights briefly. They are expected to challenge today's action in court.
In a news release, Democrat Malcolm Smith insists he's still the president and majoriety leader and that today's action was "an illegal and unlawful attempt to gain control of the Senate."
The flip of senators Pedro Espada Jr. and Hiram Monserrate gives Republicans a 32-30 edge in the chamber.
Within an hour of the overthrow, Republicans named Espada temporary president of the Senate and Dean Skelos vice president and majority leader.
Democrats tried to leave the chamber, even turning off the lights briefly. They are expected to challenge today's action in court.
In a news release, Democrat Malcolm Smith insists he's still the president and majoriety leader and that today's action was "an illegal and unlawful attempt to gain control of the Senate."
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