The recent power struggle that has been holding court in Albany at New York's Senate may very well result in the premature vote on a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, according to the
Advocate.
Senator Pedro Espada, the leader of an insurgent coalition of Republicans and two Democratic dissidents says that vote could be as early as next week. While Espada can't predict what the outcome would be, he remains certain that the issue will get its day on the Senate floor provided the new alliance holds power.
Meanwhile Democratic leader Malcolm Smith has refused to bring the bill to the floor, saying he didn't have the 32-vote majority needed to pass it.
The bill's sponsor, openly gay Democratic Senator. Thomas Duane, insists he will have enough votes to give the bill final legislative approval if senators are required to vote on it.
Tables were recently turned at the New York State Legislature when two dissident Democrats with the support of 30 Republicans outflanked and ousted the leadership of New York State Senator Majority Leader Malcolm Smith.
The coup d'etat of the upper chamber overwhelmed an unsuspecting Democratic leadership. Senator Espada was assisted in his effort by fellow Democrat Senator Hiram Montserrate of Queens. While Espada was voted temporary president, Senator Dean Skelos was appointed vice president. Their respective election put a term to the six-month tenure enjoyed by the Democatic Senate leadership.
The coup generated doubts about whether Sen. Duane would remain a loyal member of the Democratic conference.
Rumors had it that Sen. Duane was considering an offer made by Republicans to support their bid in control of the chamber if they brought a same-sex marriage bill to a vote.
Yet a counsel to Duane announced today that the Senator has not "jumped ship."
