May 06, 2013 — The leader of the Senate Republicans says he regrets the way gun control legislation was rapidly approved earlier this year, and he hopes that the end of the session won't repeat what he now says was a mistake.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 02, 2013 — A key component of Governor Cuomo's 2013 agenda appears in jeopardy, as the governor concedes he does not currently have enough votes in the state Senate to bring an abortion rights bill he has championed to the floor.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Jan 30, 2013 — A rift is appearing in the New York State Senate's new bipartisan leadership coalition. Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos says he's strongly opposed to Gov. Cuomo's reproductive health act, saying it would lead to too many late term abortions.

Pro-choice lawmakers and advocates say they disagree with the Senator's interpretation. And the leading Democrat in the leadersship council has been a strong supporter of the act.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Dec 10, 2012 — The newly formed coalition in the Senate is facing some heat from African American leaders, who says blacks and Hispanics have been left out.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Dec 07, 2012 — The new co-leader of the Senate, Sen. Jeff Klein, says he knows the new coalition of five Democrats and around 30 Republicans will have to prove itself in the coming months and deliver on key pieces of legislation, but he says it stands a better chance of success than if just the Democrats alone were in charge of the Senate.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Dec 05, 2012 — An ongoing leadership fight in the New York State Senate has been resolved.

A breakaway Democratic faction is joining with Republicans to form a new governing coalition. It sustains the working relationship between Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the Senate GOP, and the independent Democrats.

The coalition calls it a "historic, bipartisan" partnership. Remaining Democrats call it a coup.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Nov 14, 2012 — Senate Republicans have gained one more member in the fight for control of the chamber. Newly elected Brooklyn Democrat Simcha Felder says he'll sit with the GOP.

Felder is very valuable addition for Republicans trying to retain control of the Senate. In the current count from last week's voting, Democrats have won 31 seats, and Republicans have won 30. Two races are still being tallied.  Go to full article

Nov 07, 2012 — Democratic New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand won a landslide victory over Republican Wendy Long on Tuesday. By some reports, Gillibrand won the largest percentage in New York history. Gillibrand got 72 percent of the vote, capturing 60 of the state's 62 counties.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Nov 07, 2012 — Democrats easily retained their supermajority in the New York Assembly. But it could be weeks until it's decided which party is going to control the state Senate. Absentee ballots will need to be counted in some races.

Republicans went into Election Day with a 33-29 majority. The Senate requires 32 votes to pass any measure.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Oct 26, 2012 — This election will determine whether Democrats or Republicans control the state Senate in the next term, and it could come down to just a few hundred votes in a small number of key Senate contests. Not surprisingly, both sides are hopeful they'll win.  Go to full article