NY state Senate power struggle

Independent Democrats propose 3-leader NY Senate

Posted: Updated:
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -

The leader of the breakaway Independent Democratic Conference is pursuing an unprecedented shakeup in New York politics that would see three leaders with equal power ruling the state Senate in a bipartisan coalition.

Sen. Jeffrey Klein says he wants a formal three-way power-sharing arrangement that would be extended to every decision in the chamber, including state budget negotiations.

That would also change the traditional "three-men-in-a-room" budget talks involving the governor, the Senate majority leader and the Assembly speaker to include the leader of the Independent Democratic Conference.

Klein tells The Associated Press on Wednesday that Americans are calling for that kind of bipartisanship.

His group's four members could have the power to make the change in the chamber, which is near evenly split by party.

  • New York State NewsNew York State News

  • Tristate rain

    Thursday, May 23 2013 8:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:50:04 GMT
    Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
    Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:08:29 GMT
    A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
    A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:15:21 GMT
    An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
    An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
Powered by WorldNow

FOX 13 / WTVT-TV
3213 West Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, Florida 33609
Main: (813) 876-1313
Newsroom: (813) 870-9630
Fax: (813) 871-3135

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices