On January 7, the New York Senate elected new officers, and for the first time since 1965, Democrats are in charge. Although the November 2008 election had resulted in 32 Democrats and 30 Republicans being elected, there had been no certainty that Republicans would lose control, because 3 New York City Democrats had threatened to vote with Republicans, for the purpose of organizing the Senate.
as Richard is aware the key voter civil rights (federal) cases Loeber v Spargo and companion Forjone v California will reshuffle the deck (redistrict state legislature and reapportion congressional seats)