Deadlock Grips New York Senate As Democratic Boycott Continues

June 19, 2009 8:18 a.m. EST

Albany, NY (AHN) - Democrats refuse to acknowledge a Republican coup in the New York state Senate, forcing the body to miss valuable days in session. On Thursday, the Senate was one lawmaker short of a quorum and was forced to cancel its session, making it the fourth day in a row that Democrats have boycotted the chamber.

Thirty Republicans and newly appointed Senate president Pedro Espada couldn't get one Democratic lawmaker to sit down with them to attend to the state's business. The 60-member Senate needs 32 senators to hold session.

Democrats continue to stall after a judge ruled a rushed leadership vote taken weeks ago was valid. State Supreme Court Justice Thomas McNamara rejected Democratic lawmakers' plea, despite claims that allowing Republicans to take over the Senate would unquestionably lead to deadlock. McNamara ruled that even in the face of inaction, the law must be upheld.

"The court is aware that the inability of the Senate to resolve these issues has had, and may well continue to have, a profound effect on the ability of government to address many issues which are of vital importance to the citizens of the state," McNamara explained.

The "circus" in Albany continues to be a disgrace to many New Yorkers. An editorial in the Buffalo News chided lawmakers saying, "It's time for everyone to grow up."

"The truth is that many critical matters will be left undone, to the detriment of too many New Yorkers, if the senators refuse to acknowledge the facts that are holding their chamber in gridlock," the editorial implored. "One way or another, the parties have to come together on some kind of plan. Elections don't occur for another year and a half."