Paterson Wants Judge's Ruling On Docking State Senate Pay

While the State Senate did meet yesterday during another "extraordinary" session, Newsday reports that it only "lasted about seven minutes... All 31 members of the Republican-dominated coalition were present in the ornate chamber. Five of the 31 Democrats were absent." State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is investigating whether the state is able to withhold Senate pay, Paterson now wants a judge to decide. He told the Daily News, "We want a direct ruling on whether it's right or wrong for them to be paid when our position is they have abdicated their role... It's also our contention that they have been derelict in their duties. Government has been shut down by the Senate. Cities and counties are losing money off of this." The Senate has another session tonight at 6 p.m.—the Democrats and Republicans claim they are closer to an agreement, but seriously—it's been weeks.