Queens Democrat Malcolm Smith is joining forces with Republicans in a new coalition to run the fractured state Senate, the Post has learned.
In a stunning move, Smith (left), the former Senate majority leader, will join the Independent Democratic Caucus, which includes four other renegades who will help keep the GOP in charge.
“Senator Smith is pleased to be part of this agreement,” said his spokesman, Hank Sheinkopf. “Senator Smith supports the bipartisan coalition that will allow Albany to function and provide real results.”
Smith attended Manhattan GOP Chairman Dan Isaac’s holiday party last night.
Ironically, Smith was deposed as majority leader in 2009 when two Democrats, Pedro Espada and Hiram Monserrate, bolted to the GOP. The ensuing power struggle paralyzed the already dysfunctional Senate.
“Senator Smith knows firsthand what happens when government doesn’t function,” Sheinkopf said.
Smith’s move comes as he toys with a mayoral run on a GOP fusion ticket while remaining a Democrat.
In sheer numbers, the Democrats won 33 Senate seats and the GOP 30, with two races undecided.
Dems will likely win at least one of those seats, but the defection of Smith and the others will keep the Republicans in charge.