The plan to wrest control of the state Senate from the Democrats was secretly hatched in an Albany bar six weeks ago between exasperated Republicans and advisers for upstate billionaire Tom Golisano.
Golisano — who spent millions last year helping Democrats take over the Senate — said the motivation was born out of an increasing sense of dissolution with Democratic leadership.
In particular, he expressed his disappointment with ousted Majority Leader Malcolm Smith.
“The last I was in his office, I was completely discouraged because he spent more time playing with his BlackBerry than listening to our conversation,” Golisano said on Post Bureau Chief Fred Dicker’s radio show.
SENATE SHUT AMID ‘COUNTERCOUP’ BID
DICKER: HAPLESS GOV GETTING WHAT HE ASKED FOR
But while the clueless Smith was checking his e-mails, Golisano and Steve Pigeon, who heads Golisano’s Responsible NY committee, were engaging in a campaign to change the power structure in Albany.
Golisano operatives met with Republican Sens. Dean Skelos and Thomas Libous at the watering hole Red Square.
Pigeon leaned on Bronx Sen. Pedro Espada Jr., who was joined by Queens Sen. Hiram Monserrate in defecting.
EDITORIAL: END THE CIRCUS, NOW
“I have a feeling there’s going to be more than just a couple,” said Golisano.