Both Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Paterson undermined the State Senate yesterday. Bloomberg did so by slamming Albany at the opening of the Ringling Bros. circus in Coney Island: “Nothing comes close to the circus,” he deadpanned. “Not even Albany.” But Paterson went even further, having a spokesman reveal that the only thing legislative leaders in the State Senate have agreed upon since the GOP rebellion on June 8 was the certification of their own payrolls. “There is a power-sharing agreement, but it only includes getting paid,” Marissa Shorenstein told reporters. “If the leadership of the Senate can agree on a way to keep getting paid, they can reach an agreement to get back to work for the people of New York.”
Meanwhile, the Senate continues to undermine itself: With only one day left (Monday) in the legislative session for this summer, Republicans continue to reject any power-sharing deal with Democrats unless sketchy businessman, turncoat politician, and non-district resident Pedro Espada remains president of the body.
DINGALING BROTHERS [NYP]
Senate Power-Sharing Talks Break Down [NYT]
