The story has been told a million different ways, but boils down to this; somebody wants something, doesn't see it happening in their current circumstances and then a dubious looking character comes along promising them their dream come true as long as they do that tiny little thing often referred to as giving up your soul. Dealing with the devil is almost always a losing proposition, yet Senator Tom Duane, of all people is considering leaving the Democratic caucus to join hands with noted criminals Senators Monserrate and Espada.
His reasoning is that he thinks he'll get a vote on gay marriage:
There's already an excellent discussion going on at the Albany Project about this possible defection. My opinion is that if Duane defects the chances of him getting marriage passed with Skelos/Espada in charge is slim to nil. Espada can say he'll put marriage to a vote, but I wouldn't trust anything that comes out of that man's mouth. Duane would also be giving up every other issue important to Democrats and certainly so to the many Democrats that call themselves his constituents. The natural effect of that would be a primary challenge with serious teeth (already coming for Espada and Monserrate). I know Duane passionately wants same-sex marriage passed, but this is not the way to do it.One of the senators who is believed to be considering breaking ranks with the Senate Democratic conference, Thomas K. Duane of Manhattan, would not say where he planned to cast his political allegiance.
“I am not considering anything but trying to get passed all the legislation I’ve spent my whole life fighting for,” he said. Mr. Duane, who did not attend meetings with his Democratic colleagues on Tuesday, said he had spent all day in discussions with senators from both parties.
Mr. Duane is the sponsor of legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage in New York. He has been working to garner the 32 votes necessary to pass the bill, and said he would continue to do so.
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