ALBANY — A Democratic party official says a dissident Democratic senator is flipping support back to his party after helping lead a Republican-dominated coup that has gridlocked New York’s Senate for more than a month.
Barring other defections, Bronx Sen. Pedro Espada’s return would give Democrats a 32-30 majority for the first time since the June 8 coup.
The Democrat official spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to comment until the deal is made public.
Espada’s move comes after Democratic Gov. David Paterson’s shocking decision to appoint a lieutenant governor to preside over the Senate, giving his party the upper hand in a chamber that’s been divided 31-31.
The New York Post first reported Espada’s decision Thursday.
Local News
SENATE: AP source: Renegade Dem flips back in NY Senate
- Local News
-
-
No new vet for Niagara SPCA
It was one step forward and one step back for the SPCA of Niagara on Monday.
Just 72 hours after announcing the hiring of a new veterinarian for its troubled shelter, the SPCA board changed its mind and decided not to bring Lewiston vet Dr. Grant Hobika on board. -
Tough time for NIMAC to ask for city funds
City officials say they are committed to helping continue military operations at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.
Just how much money the city of Niagara Falls will be able to pledge remains a question. -
Library board appointment vote put on hold
A request from Mayor Paul Dyster’s administration to appoint former city council candidate Alicia Laible to the library board did not come up for a vote as expected during Monday’s council meeting.
-
Landlord registration law comes under fire in the Falls
Community leaders are looking for a change in a landlord registration law they helpd create two years ago.
-
Forster officially seeking Dem chairmanship
Former Niagara County Party Chairman Nicholas Forster made it official on Monday.
-
Hayes sentence delayed in homicide case
Wilbert Hayes III was behind bars on Monday but not to begin serving his sentence for the slaying of Donald Tyree Nix.
-
NT coach fired for relations with student
A 25-year-old substitute teacher and coach has been fired by the North Tonawanda School District after an investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old female student.
-
Senate passes school bus legislation
The state Senate passed a series of school bus bills on Monday that leaders say will increase safety and communication.
-
In Lockport, Man faces extradition in Vegas fraud
A former Las Vegas resident picked up at the U.S.-Canadian border on Nevada securities fraud charges was ordered held for extradition from New York on Monday, after a judge rejected his claim of diplomatic immunity.
-
Falls woman brings low-cost spay and neutering program to area
Celia Trapasso noticed a disturbing trend in Niagara Falls.
The pet owner and animal lover saw far too many animals — particularly cats — running the streets in the city. - More Local News Headlines
-
Court: CA Gay Marriage Ban Is Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Komen Official Out After Planned Parenthood Row
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Murder Trial for Ex-U.Va. Lacrosse Player Begins
NY Giants Touch Down Victorious
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
