On June 8, two Democratic State Senators in New York voted to re-organize the State Senate, so that Republicans will control it. See this story. Thanks to Independent Political Report for this news.
On June 8, two Democratic State Senators in New York voted to re-organize the State Senate, so that Republicans will control it. See this story. Thanks to Independent Political Report for this news.
I’m all for party defections, and stories like this make politics a bit more interesting. But the two Democrats who backed the GOP include one who physically attacked his girlfriend, and another who does not live in the district he represents.
I guess the GOP thinks “beggars can’t be choosers!”
This is what happens in a two-party duopoly!
The usual chaos has ensued, including the Dems cutting off power and internet in an attempt to prevent a vote. The legislative session is effectively over, until the legislature reconvenes in January.
The Republicans enacted some interesting rules changes, including six-year term limits for the Senate President and Majority Leader, and measures to equalize the budgets of the majority and minority parties. These are positive steps, but it remains to be seen if they’re permanent.
Everything that transpired yesterday will be challenged in court.
As Chairman of the Libertarian Party of New York, I’m pleased that NY has thrown off one-party rule. Now, if we could only free ourselves from TWO-party rule…
Hopefully, the courts will not review the latest roll call and parliamentary procedures of the Senate. Due to separation of powers, Courts usually refrain from reviewing the “inner workings” of the other branches of government, especially rules that apply to how they govern themselves within the legislature. The Court has as much jurisdiction here, as the legislature would have in making laws about court dockets…..NONE.
Full list of rules changes:
http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/15240/skeloss-statement-rules-changes
I’ve been urging reforms like this for years. This could turn out to be a major improvement in NYS governance. I’m not a big fan of the major players here, or the Bolshevik tactics (turning off lights and internet in the Senate chamber, attempted use of armed guards to prevent voting) that reigned yesterday, but I’m seeing this as a major positive.