GOP Coup in NYS!!!

Republicans snatch control of NY state senate...Dems Turn Off Lights, Cut Internet Power In Attempt To Halt...

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Jun 9, 2009 9:03 am US/Eastern
CHAOS IN ALBANY: GOP Coup Upsets Balance In Senate
Malcolm Smith Ousted As Senate Majority Leader; Dems Turn Off Lights, Cut Internet Power In Attempt To Stop Coup
Paterson Goes Ballistic: I'm Here To Stand Up For Democracy

ALBANY (CBS) ―
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Smith To Albany: Fix NY Ethics Rules Now(6/4/2009)
Majority Leader Backs Out Of Puerto Rico Junket(4/29/2009)
NY Senate Leader Urges MTA Audit(3/2/2009)
Senate Invites Public To Share Ideas For NY Budget(2/11/2009)
Smith: Deal Off With Dissident Senate Democrats(12/10/2008)
Dissident NY Sen. Says He Won't Back Malcolm Smith(11/10/2008)

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Republicans, who lost control of the New York State Senate last November have apparently regained control, and without an election! The GOP power play involves two renegade Democrats and a billionaire businessman.

Welcome to New York politics.

What happened Monday night in Albany, a coup in the state Senate five weeks in the making, made for a unique kind of drama, pitting Senate Democrats against Republicans.

Out of power?

Former Democratic State Senate President and Majority Leader Malcolm Smith. "Let's just be real clear, the Senate Democrats are still in the majority," said Smith. "Malcolm Smith is still the majority leader." Assuming those titles in a return to power is Senator Dean Skelos of Rockville Centre. How did it happen? Democrats can thank their own: Pedro Espada of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens, who turned their backs on their fellow Democrats and joined with Republicans.