Republicans Revolt in Albany

State Senator Vincent Leibell is back in a leadership role in Albany after Republicans and two dissident Democrats took control of the New York State Senate Monday by voting to throw the fledging Democratic majority out of power.

The decision by the two Democrats from the Bronx and Queens to join the coalition gave the GOP a 32-30 edge that

resulted in a change of leadership structure.

3)( Speaking from Albany late Monday night, Leibell told the Courier that the past five months since Democrats held the Senate had been a "total and complete failure. They gave us a budget conceived by three New York City Democrats huddled in a private room that was a disaster. Even the rank-and-file from the Democratic Party had no idea what was in that budget until they voted on it."

Leibell said the Democrat-proposed and -approved MTA bailout was a "nightmare

for all New Yorkers. Requests by

my Republican colleagues for property

3)( tax reform were ignored. Rebate checks were eliminated. The Democratic leadership has been a total and complete failure."

Shortly after Monday's coup, the GOP named Democratic Senator Pedro Espada temporary president of the Senate and Republican Dean Skelos vice president and majority leader—the most powerful positions in the upper house. Senator Leibell said the bipartisan coalition has the power to "direct legislation and reassign committee and leadership posts."

Leibell, the Putnam-Dutchess-West- chester lawmaker, who is currently in his 14th term in the State Legislature, said his colleagues on the other side of the aisle were "so upset during the session they turned off the lights in the chamber, turned off a microphone, and turned off television cameras used to record Senate happenings—so much for open government."

Gov. David Paterson called the power shift "despicable," telling reporters in Albany, "Once again, Albany's dysfunction has raised its ugly head."

Democrats in Albany have requested State Attorney General investigate whether the deal that brought about the shift in power could be deemed illegal, or whether improper quid quo pros were offered to the aisle-crossing Senators. Meanwhile, as Democrats search for strategies to re-obtain control of the Senate, Republicans are said to be searching for more defections.

Putnam County Executive Robert Bondi welcomed the change: "Government created by our forefathers centuries ago was based on checks and balances and two major political parties. It is not a healthy situation to have one party in charge of all branches of government, particularly in New York, where we have seen so many recent examples indicating the need for a two-party system and different political opinions expressed for the benefit of the public."

Bondi also called it "wonderful" that "Senator Leibell is back in the majority. He has done so much for the residents of his district over the years."

One GOP source told the Courier that Leibell's sudden return to the majority was unlikely to derail his plans to leave Albany and seek office closer to his home district.

The lone Democrat on the Putnam Legislature, Sam Oliverio of Putnam Valley, expressed shock when learning of the turnaround: "I understand philosophical ideological differences and I understand personal hurt when we get angry, yet to abandon one's party in the midst of uncertainty in state government is a real slap in the face. The Republicans may be rejoicing but as a Democrat I feel very badly about what has transpired."

Putnam Legislator Vincent Tamagna of Philipstown, vice chairman of the nine-member county legislature, also reacted Monday evening. "We have limped along due to the Democratic inexperience. I am pleased that two men saw the light, and now hopefully something can be accomplished in the New York State Legislature again. The Senate has become a complete stall. All of us in county government hope that the coup brings some new and determined leadership for Senator Leibell so he can continue the good work for the people of Putnam County."

Legislator Dan Birmingham of Brewster agreed that checks and balances were needed in Albany. "The political drama unfolding in Albany makes Putnam politics pale by comparison," he observed.

Michael Brendan Dougherty contributed reporting to this article.