Beware, pornography fans. After the latest series of sensational disclosures, the main occupation of the Capitol in Albany remains political power. And that's what this drama is about, even if sex provides a major pastime.
The ascension of a substitute governor leaves Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Republican Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno secure in their clout. They may never enjoy as much status as they do today.
Gov. David Paterson spent part of his first week in office responding to questions about his past conduct. That tempest goes on - keeping heat over any such conduct off the lawmakers for the moment.
Even if Paterson finds himself jammed up, which powerful state player would regret the loss of Eliot Spitzer and move to oust his successor before the term is out?
Top legislative guns will prefer a struggling but collegial former peer in the executive chamber any day to a self-righteous rookie who won the job in a popular landslide on a vow to rattle the status quo.
Before Paterson's dalliances became front-page news....
Dan Janison
the question loomed as to whether the new governor, as his party's top man, would keep up Spitzer's war to oust Republicans from the Senate majority, their last bastion of state power.
Last year Spitzer bucked longtime understandings about party turf, pushing to take over the Senate and launching a war against Bruno. On Spitzer's brief watch, with Paterson as lieutenant, Bruno's majority shrank to 32-30 after two off-year elections to fill vacancies.
On Monday, June O'Neill, the state Democratic chairwoman, was asked whether Paterson will push for the majority as vigorously as did his short-lived predecessor. "I cannot speak for the new governor," she said, but added: "What's driving change in the State of New York is the people of the state."
Paterson was the second of three Democratic minority leaders during what for Bruno has been a 13-year tenure as majority leader. Asked Monday if he expects Paterson to back off pursuit of the Senate, Bruno said: "He's going to have to answer that for himself, but I know in the past Governor Paterson always worked very closely [and] understood checks and balance ..." He expressed hope Paterson would pursue "governing" before "politics."
GOP colleagues ironically refer to him now as Lt. Gov. Bruno, a post he formally occupies under the state constitution because Paterson moved up.
On the Senate question, Deputy Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) said: "Governor Spitzer unloaded the pocketbooks of his Manhattan friends on these Senate races. I don't see that money forthcoming."
Indeed, Paterson called it time to "put personal politics, party advantage and power struggles aside in favor of service" and "do from now on ... what we always should have done. We're going to work together."
Still, top Democrats echo O'Neill in saying the trend toward a Senate turnover is well under way. "That train has already left the station. There will be a Democratic Senate," said a senior party operative from Long Island. Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans) noted in a radio interview Monday that Republicans had been losing seats while Republican George Pataki was governor, and "The winds of change are going in our direction."
One Democratic Senate operative argued that Spitzer's absence would help. "A new governor means no more driver's licenses for illegal immigrants, no more Troopergate," the source said.
A senior legislative Democrat warned against underrating Paterson's fundraising and resolve. "There are still a number of wealthy donors who are interested in political change," the official added. "I can't believe Paterson will just back off."
Comments (2)
The end of the Republican Senate is just around the corner. They have not removed or asked Bruno to step down as Majority Leader and elected a YOUNGER MEMBER TO LEAD THEM. The FEDS ARE STILL HUNTING FOR HIM OR HIS BUSINESS BUDDIES. The BEAR MOUNTAIN COMPACT IS DEAD. That means that WHAT HAPPENS IN ALBANY WILL NOW BE ON THE FRONT PAGES OF THE NEWSPAPERS. Albany, is the cesspool on the HUDSON.
Unfortunately gentlemen New York State is now the biggest ship floating without a rudder. Some in my circle ask if you know the difference between the current state of political affairs in New York State and the Titanic? The answer is the Titanic had a band. Hopefully we're part of the chosen few who get a seat in one of the lifeboats. Hope to see you on the "Carpethea".