Skelos: The Vote's The Vote Now, But The Vote Wasn't The Vote Then

I really wonder (0.00 / 0)

Legally, I think he is now the Majority Leader. The senate did not adjourn properly from what I have read. I think if there is not agreement between the parties I believe the Republicans will win. With the chamber being divided 31 to 31 it will stand unless Espada comes back. But, in the end, I guess it doesn't matter what I think or believe. These "grown" men and women need to work it out amongst themselves otherwise the court will. Does anyone think that if there is a sharing of the leadership and the reforms are maintained and expanded upon, the Assembly will even slightly follow or is that just out right naive?

---

by: 123allent @ Mon Jun 15, 2009 at 15:58:08 PM CDT

I think if real reforms do come of this (0.00 / 0)

the Assembly will feel strong pressure to reform as well.  I fully expect them to push back hard, and I think it would be even harder to get reforms passed in the Assembly than in the Senate at this point, but no doubt the pressure will be there.

New Yorkers against Harold Ford

---

by: Jrathman @ Mon Jun 15, 2009 at 16:29:29 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

It could happen (0.00 / 0)

If only 35 Assembly Democrats pull an Espada, we might see a real shakeup there.

---

by: Dan Jacoby @ Mon Jun 15, 2009 at 17:31:39 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

My reading (0.00 / 0)

I just read through the TU article from yesterday where Libous says a resolution doesn't have to go to the Majority Leader.  My reading of the Senate rules indicates that all bills and resolutions have to go to the Leader and go through committee.  I didn't see anything about privileged resolutions, however, so there might be some rules of order that weren't posted on the website.

But yes, a power-sharing deal clearly needs to be placed on the table.  I think if they can do something to the extent of Skelos and Sampson sharing power, split chairs, and Espada in a powerless position, that would be an ideal split.

"Never be afraid to stand with the minority when the minority is right, for the minority which is right will one day be the majority."


-William Jennings Bryan

---

by: BingChester @ Mon Jun 15, 2009 at 16:30:39 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

This diary seems a bit strained to me. (0.00 / 0)

I don't like the idea of a GOP-controlled Senate, but I think the diarist is overreaching here.

Is the diarist seriously suggesting that a Senate vote, once taken, cannot be overridden by a future vote?

I guess I missed where Smith was voted in as the permanent Majority Leader.

Or is the diarist claiming there is some Senate rule that makes the position of Majority Leader unassailable for some period of time after someone is voted in?

Since the GOP didn't contest Smith's selection, I don't see where the supposed rhetorical contradiction lies.

Given what Albany has become, we ought in a nonpartisan fashion to defend the notion that leaders can be replaced. Part of the mess historically has been that once elevated, no one could ever challenge the likes of Silver and Bruno without risking total banishment.

---

by: Hudson @ Mon Jun 15, 2009 at 16:58:33 PM CDT

In other state Senates (0.00 / 0)

rules can be passed to prevent leadership votes in the middle of a session. The US Senate has done it before.  

---

by: nrafter530 @ Mon Jun 15, 2009 at 18:32:45 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Well, that's part of my point (0.00 / 0)

The point was hyperbolic.  Essentially Skelos is saying that he gets to stay Majority Leader now even though Monserrate doesn't support him anymore.  Which is the equivalent of saying that Smith stays Majority Leader because he was elected for a two year term by the Senate.

"Never be afraid to stand with the minority when the minority is right, for the minority which is right will one day be the majority."


-William Jennings Bryan

---

by: BingChester @ Mon Jun 15, 2009 at 22:10:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]