From The New York Times:
One Democrat Flips Back, Leaving Tie in NY Senate
ALBANY — A week after Republicans wrested power in the State Senate away from Democrats, their thin majority collapsed on Monday, leaving the chamber in a 31-31 tie with its leadership picture more confused than ever.
The move came when Senator Hiram Monserrate, one of two Democrats who had sided with Republicans to give them a 32-to-30 majority, said he was switching his allegiance again and reaffirmed himself as a member of the Democratic caucus.
Democrats moved swiftly to offer Republicans a power-sharing arrangement but were rebuffed. The two sides are due in court Tuesday morning...
Adding to the confusion, Democrats chose Senator Sampson as the leader of their caucus, a move that was a concession to Mr. Monserrate, who had insisted on the ouster of Malcolm A. Smith as majority leader.
It remained unclear when the Senate would return to work and take up key issues that await them, including mayoral control of New York City’s schools and same-sex marriage.
Republicans were stung, but unsurprised by Mr. Monserrate’s flip-flop.
“If you lie with dogs, sometimes you get fleas,” said Senator Martin Golden of Brooklyn.
Also from The Hill:
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