Rumors, Confusion and Another Special Session in Albany
Thursday, July 09, 2009
New York, NY –
Yet another special session of the senate is scheduled to get underway this hour, though it's unclear what it might look like.
REPORTER: Confusion reigns in Albany this afternoon, as published reports cite rumors that dissident Bronx Senator Pedro Espada is returning to the Democrats. Such a move would end a standoff that began when Espada joined with Republicans, who elected him Senate president in a coup a month ago.
Earlier, both sides in the Senate standoff called off a planned meeting on a power-sharing agreement in response to Paterson's appointment of Richard Ravitch as lieutenant governor. But at a news conference today, Paterson berated the senators, saying a lieutenant governor can't pass legislation for them.
Paterson said Ravitch would not preside over today's session, in deference to ongoing legal proceedings. The governor is going court this afternoon to defend the constitutionality of the appointment.
Here in the city, Mayor Bloomberg supports Paterson's move, saying Ravitch is a good pick for second in command and praising the Governor for doing something to end the stalemate
BLOOMBERG: Whether or not this is legal is up in the air but I think the message to the senators has to be - come up with a power sharing agreement and lets get on with the state's business.
REPORTER: Bloomberg says the city's own corporation counsel is looking into the legality of the Ravitch appointment for Lieutenant Governor.
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.