ALBANY — The chaotic state Senate stalemate came to a stunning end yesterday as two-time turncoat Sen. Pedro Espada Jr. of The Bronx double-crossed his GOP allies, returned to the Democratic fold — and was rewarded with the post of majority leader.
“The Democrats are back in charge now,” crowed Sen. Jeffrey Klein, a Bronx Democrat and deputy majority leader.
Espada’s latest backstabbing move gave Democrats the same, bare 32-30 majority they enjoyed before June 8, when the Republicans, then joined by Espada and Sen. Hiram Monserrate (D-Queens), voted in a “coup” to hand control to the Republicans.
Espada was demonized by Democrats during the past month as a “criminal” and an “extortionist,” and he once vowed “never” to return to the party. Last night, he was introduced as the new majority leader under a deal that guaranteed him higher pay, substantial patronage, and power over the day-to-day operations of the Senate.
The Post exclusively broke the news of Espada’s intention to switch yesterday on its Web site.
Senate majority leaders get an additional $41,000 on top of their “base” $79,500-a-year salary, as well as the right to hire dozens of patronage employees.
Espada, who is under investigation for funding related to a chain of government-subsidized Bronx health clinics he runs and over whether he resides in his Bronx district, will also get special access to millions of dollars in pork-barrel “member items” that will be doled out in his district.
“It was never about power, but about empowerment,” Espada insisted.
His new title is the same one he almost obtained in December, when, as a member of the “Gang of Four” renegade Democrats, he threatened to keep Republicans in control of the Senate unless he was granted more power and perks. Espada is in the first year of his term, although he served stints in the Senate in the mid-’90s and again from 2001 to 2002.
“I’m not sure of anything now,” said Sen. Daniel Squadron (D-Manhattan) when asked about Espada’s loyalty.
Sen. Malcolm Smith of Queens, who held the twin posts of majority leader and temporary Senate president until June 8, remains as temporary president. He will be replaced by new Senate Democratic Conference leader John Sampson of Brooklyn on Jan. 1, according to Espada.
Meanwhile, weary senators convened shortly after 9 p.m. to conduct business for the first time since the coup — and promptly approved Espada’s appointment. with only the 32 Democrats voting “yes.”
Earlier, an appellate judge overturned a restraining order sought by Republicans against Gov. Paterson, handing him an early victory for his surprise appointment of Richard Ravitch as lieutenant governor. Another hearing is set for today.