December 10th, 2008
Remember that apparent deal we told you about between New York State Sen. Malcom Smith and the so-called “Gang of Three”? That deal centered on the Democrats taking control of the Senate for the first time in forty years in exchange pledging to Sens. Rubén DÃaz Sr., Pedro Espada, and Carl Kruger in writing not to put same-sex marriage legislation up for a vote.
It now looks like that deal has fallen apart:
Sen. Malcolm Smith said today that he will cease negotiations on the reorganization of the Senate with the so-called “Gang of Three”. “We are suspending negotiations, effective immediately, because to do so otherwise would reduce our moral standing and the long-term Senate Democratic commitment to reform and change,” Smith said. “It became very clear to me, over time, that those negotiations started being more about self interest.”
…”Frankly, we would rather wait two more years to take charge of the Senate than to simply serve the interests of a few,” Smith said. He also said limiting civil rights of New Yorkers should not be part of the negotiations, but should be part of the legislative process.
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David C.
December 10th, 2008
That took a good measure of courage and political will. Good for them.
cd
December 10th, 2008
New York politics involves copious use of the middle finger. I’m glad Malcolm Smith recognized how to reply to the three being shown him.
Dave
December 10th, 2008
I am genuinely shocked.
Zeke
December 11th, 2008
Renews my faultering faith in the Democratic Party of New York.
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