Politics on the Hudson

   As the leadership stalemate in the Senate continued today, the Democrats were the first to heed Gov. David Paterson’s call to session this afternoon. They gaveled into session, said the Pledge of Allegiance, and not having any business they could conduct, they ended a few minutes later. After that, Republicans opened their own session, said a Pledge of Allegiance, and ended it a few minutes later for the same reason.

   Senate leaders said they are working in earnest to reach an agreement that would allow the chamber and legislative business to move forward. They have been at a virtual standstill since June 8, when two Democrats allied themselves with Republicans and voted to throw out the Democratic leadership. The vote is in dispute, and Democrats said they would not accept Sen. Pedro Espada, D-Bronx, as Senate president in a coalition with Republicans. The other Democrat who helped the GOP regain power has since returned to the Democratic conference, and there is now a 31-31 deadlock in votes.

   Lawmakers maintain that Paterson cannot call the Senate into session unless he also calls the Assembly. The Assembly completed its business shortly after midnight Tuesday morning. There are legal questions about how bills passed in regular session and in a senate special session could be valid and become law.