Majority Leader Smith

Well now it's official, Malcolm Smith has come out on top and is our newest State Senate Majority Leader. He announced the news with the Gang of Three in tow last night up in Albany, after hammering out a deal. The infamous three each got their cut of power and lent Smith their vote for him.

From PolitickerNY:

Smith said he would be "conclusively" elected tomorrow, in a session presided over by State Senator Neil Breslin before David Paterson delivers the State of the State address.He was joined in conference by the gang of three, who then emerged by his side to announce details of the deal.

The agreement gives leadership posts to the gang of three -- Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. will chair the Aging Committee, Senator Carl Kruger will chair the Finance Committee and Senator-elect Pedro Espada Jr. will be vice president of the Senate for urban policy, as well as vice chair of the rules committee and chairman of the Committee on Housing Construction and Community Development.[...]

Smith also pledged several rules reforms, including measures that would record votes to discharge bills from committees and that pertain to amendments on the floor will be recorded (they are not currently under a rule known as 'canvass of agreement'). More rules reforms were promised, and will be announced in two months after a commission studying the chamber makes recommendations, Smith spokesman Austin Shafran said.

The people of New York have certainly been treated to a roller coaster ride from these pols and finally this part of the ride is over. Of course, we have plenty of twists, turns, drops and jolts to come. One thing that is still up in the air is the issue of gay marriage and no one is sure where those chips may fall. The budget though will come first and seeing this new Democratic group deal with the Governor's proposal promises many fireworks when programs are actually strapped down on the chopping block for a waiting axe.

So Smith got away with his deal and has the ultimate power (and the highest lu-lu) but at what cost. Each of the three in the Gang got their own sweet deals though this time it was acceptable enough to the rest of the Democratic caucus. If I were one of those other 28, watching this drama unfold teaches one terrible lesson, that if you want power in New York, do your best to steal, connive or trick your way into it.

Senate Dems Could Overthrow Smith For Klein Soon

The U.S. Senate still has some kinks to work out, with three Senators still undetermined in Minnesota, Illinois and here in New York. Up in Albany however, the status of the State Senate makes the federal version look like a solid rock. There have been rumors of Smith not being able to hold on to power with the Democrats winning the Senate, even before Foley and Addabbo won their races. Now, after a month of chaos due to Espada, Kruger and Diaz's actions and the irritation of the rest of the caucus for Smith making a ridiculous deal with the Gang of Three, things aren't looking good for the current Minority Leader.

From The NY Daily News:

ALBANY - State Senate Democrats plan to meet privately Friday amid talk of a possible coup attempt against leader Malcolm Smith.

Sources said Bronx Sen. Jeff Klein, Smith's deputy, has been working the phone in hopes of winning support to become Senate majority leader next month.

There again, Jeff Klein's name comes up. It had been on the minds of politicos wondering who would take the reins from Smith's hands and it seems Klein is set on making it a reality. Some Senators are trying to make it look as if their meeting is not about a coup, but Savino's non-answer concerning Smith's future speaks volumes.

Sen. Diane Savino, a Staten Island Democrat close to Klein, denied there was a coup attempt, saying, "Don't mistake members consulting with each about their frustration with head counting."

When asked if Smith would remain leader, she said only, "Malcolm Smith is the leader right now."

Right now as in 10:15 in the morning. That could change by 10:15 at night.

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.