Politics on the Hudson

Gov. David Paterson today indicated he plans to reach out to legislative leaders on some “new ideas I have” on trying to reach an agreement to bail out the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Paterson wouldn’t disclose the details of his latest pitch, but talked optimistically about trying to get a deal early next week.

“Hopefully that will end the process by the beginning of next week,” he said. “It all depends on the ability of the Legislature to come together right now and recognize that there has to be a compromise struck.”

Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, D-Queens, initially hoped to get an agreement this week, but he was unable to secure the 32 votes necessary to get a deal.

“The Senate is always open to discussions,” Smith spokesman Austin Shafran said when asked about the governor’s new proposal, which he said the Senate hasn’t seen.