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July 3, 2009

Paterson, NY Senate factions work on a power deal

By MICHAEL GORMLEY

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Gov. David Paterson on Friday is scheduled to mediate a nearly four-week standoff over control of New York's Senate.

Neither the Democratic conference nor the Republican-dominated coalition that mounted a June 8 coup for power said there was a deal. Neither side would comment on the discussion.

The Senate factions are providing a short-term plan for power sharing and a permanent plan to Gov. David Paterson.

The Democratic conference is pushing for a short-term arrangement to pass some critical bills for New York City and local governments statewide. The coalition seeks a power-sharing deal to run through the end of the Senate term in December 2010.

"The governor has brought us together," said Sen. Malcolm Smith of Queens, the Democratic conference's majority leader. "He is attempting to mediate so that we can move the process along by getting some bills passed and restoring some confidence in people around the state."

Each side holds 31 seats.

"Clearly the governor has a unique opportunity here," said Sen. Pedro Espada, a Bronx Democrat and the elected Senate president of the GOP-dominated coalition. "We'll back in here meeting and making progress tomorrow again."

Republican Sen. Dean Skelos of Nassau County, the coalition's majority leader, said that if there is an agreement Friday, the Senate could go into session, pass bills that are essential for New York City and local governments, and go home for the July 4 holiday.

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