Democrats won a majority of state Senate seats Tuesday, giving them at least nominal control of that body for the first time since 1964. Or did they?
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Minority Leader Malcolm Smith – who’s expected to replace Skelos when the new legislative season begins in January – will be in Albany next week ostensibly to help Gov. Paterson balance the state’s current budget.
But Smith has hands full just trying to assure his own ascension: Though Dems grabbed 32 of the Senate’s 62 seats last Tuesday, three of them hint they’re not yet ready to back Smith.
In fact, the three conceivably could back a Republican to lead the Senate – instead of Smith.
Meanwhile, GOP senators – angered by Paterson for helping the Dems take over the Senate and headed for the wilderness – have no obvious reason to help the governor.
So, don’t be surprised if, come Nov. 18, the Republican majority simply kicks the problem forward to January.
Talk about a lack of adult supervision.
Smith can go a long way toward proving he’s up to the position of majority leader by getting his ducks in a line now.
But can he? That is the question.