Majority Leader Klein?

Now that the Gang of Three/Malcolm Smith deal has fallen apart, something has to happen in the State Senate so that either the Democrats take power or the Republicans retain it. Smith clearly blew it throughout the process and the Gang still won't support him to be top dog. Instead of the infamous three handing it to Skelos and Co., who would they be agree to cede power to?

From Capitol Confidential:

Sen.-elect Pedro Espada appeared by phone on Fred Dicker’s radio show. [...]

Would the emergence of Sen. Jeff Klein as a replacement for Smith change things? “That’s an intriguing idea. I worked with Jeff Klein for many, many years in the Bronx. … But that’s not my decision.”

So Klein is possible, but later in the interview he also gave props to Skelos. Of course, he is still Pedro Espada and bullshit answers like these are inevitable:

On charges that his stance is purely self-serving: “This is not about power and control. This is about empowerment and government reform.”

What will the future hold? “In short order, you’ll see people of integrity rise in the Democratic conference.”

Pure. Comedy. Gold.

The drama shall continue, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Klein rise victorious at the end of this. He is Bruno 2.0 after all.