New York Senate not in session despite coalition plans

By By VALERIE BAUMAN, Associated Press Writer

Story Created: Jun 10, 2009 at 4:10 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 10, 2009 at 5:27 PM EDT

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The Senate session planned by a coalition of New York state Republicans and two dissident Democrats isn't starting on time as planned.

It's been two days since Republicans and two Democrats maneuvered a secret power play, apparently ousting the Senate leader and flipping control of the chamber. Sens. Pedro Espada Jr. of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens joined with the Republican minority to form a bipartisan coalition with a 32-30 majority.

No one knows for sure if the power grab will hold, but Senate
Democrats have locked the door to the chamber and refuse to open it
for the coalition.

Espada claims to have a key to the chamber, and the coalition had planned to go into session at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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