TFGIF

We’re wrapping up week three of the New York State Senate gridlock. And all I can say is: TFGIF. 

Despite suggestions earlier today that a power-sharing deal was in the offing, Senator Espada, flanked by Senator Skelos, emerged from talks early afternoon to tell reporters the following: 

“Part of the discussion focused in on the misinformation that’s out there. So let’s be very clear about what’s happening. What’s happening is, and we’ve been repeating this as a mantra, is that June 8, 32-30 – 32 nothing, actually – must be adhered to. The framework allows for any and all to be discussed within that framework.”

Sounds like the GOP+1 coalition isn’t giving an inch. (CapCon offers a different interpretation.) 

So much for negotiating in good faith. Meanwhile, the Dems’ bipartisan operating agreement is waiting to be signed by their counterparts across the aisle–and would represent, by many accounts, a real step towards compromise. 

Regardless, negotiations will continue into the weekend. 

Meanwhile, State Senator Liz Krueger is taking advantage of the new NY-dedicated HuffPost page, and compares Albany to a Hollywood flick: 

We’ve seen an illegal coup engineered by a billionaire, possible corruption of office (did you know it is actually illegal to sell your votes on bills, or for the control of a legislative chamber?), intrigue (who will switch sides today?), investigations into residences of a Senator’s home, court challenges of the illegal coup (some think one Senator can have 2 votes — can he have 2 paychecks?), the demise of democracy, and a Legislature for sale (now everybody is competing to claim they bought the guys to win the coup). If someone actually wrote the screenplay, no one would believe that such events could actually take place in an advanced democracy in 2009.

So, question to ponder this weekend: who would YOU cast in the NYSenate movie? 

Talks Will Continue into the Weekend – Daily Politics
Another Interpretation of Espada’s Words – Capitol Confidential
The Albany Saga: Too Much For Hollywood – Huffpost