Just as Andrew Cuomo was getting ready to take the stage at today's State of the State speech, word came out of more confusion in the State Senate. We aren't in the midst of another coup, but four state senators have decided to leave the Democratic conference. The change won't be as dramatic as last time—the Republicans control ain't going anywhere—but it does give the troubled state party another headache to worry over. more ›

To paraphrase Captain Renault, were shocked, shocked to find that secret Albany wheeling dealing was going on in the failed AEG Aqueduct deal. Earlier this year, Governor Paterson picked Aqueduct Entertainment Group to install slot machines at the Queens Aqueduct, but AEG's selection was controversial, not only because the group was politically connected but also because its bid sucked. Now, according to the Daily News, the State Inspector General has issued a report, finding "a bidding process rife with inside dealing, secret lobbying and more than $100,000 in campaign donations from the bidders." more ›

The NY State Senate Democrats had to return a $15,000 donation from mega retailer Walmart after labor union leaders freaked out. According to the Post, "The action came just days after last week's disclosure in The Post that the Democrats had accepted the cash from the union-resisting Arkansas-based retail chain, which is believed to be interested in putting its first city store in Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson's Brooklyn district." A spokesman for Sampson, who also heads the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee, said, "I can confirm that the money was returned. That's as far as I'm going to go on it." more ›

Wait a minute—could breaking a six-year record be why state lawmakers have been dragging their feet on approving a budget? The state budget was due on April 1 and, now, it's freaking August 2. The Post reports, "The latest budget ever was approved on Aug. 11 in 2004, and if an agreement isn't reached on the one remaining budget bill this week, the likelihood is that a dismal new record for tardiness will be set, insiders here agree." Go, Albany dysfunction! more ›

Because the state budget was due on April 1 but hasn't been approved yet, state law prohibits legislators from getting paid. And, guess what, going almost four months without pay is hard! But, don't worry, many lawmakers understand if you don't care: Assemblyman Michael Gianaris (D-Queens), who is dipping into his savings to pay for his mortgage, tells the NY Times, "People are rightfully fed up with the lack of effectiveness in state government. I would quickly forgive them for not having sympathy for our personal plight." more ›

How much do our elected officials in Albany get by on their salaries as legislators and how much of their regular expenditures come from campaign money raised for nonexistent election battles? The Daily News has an extensive piece today investigating just what state senators and assemblymen are using their campaign funds for—all within the scope of the law. more ›

Governor Paterson may have spent his summer struggling through a legislative mess brought on by the Senate coup and continually sagging poll numbers that threaten the possibility of his 2010 bid, but he wants to make it clear that he hasn't forgotten his pledge to bring gay marriage to New York. Paterson told that he intends to put his same sex marriage bill on the floor when senators convene for a special session he expects to call later this month. Lawmakers are not required to vote on legislation brought up by the governor, but there may be more of a chance for that now that John Sampson is Democratic Conference Leader. Former Majority Leader Malcolm Smith had a deal with the Three Amigos not to bring same sex legislation to the floor. But the most vocal opponent of gay marriage, Senator Ruben Diaz Jr., told the News, "I tell you - as a man, before God - if that issue comes to the floor, there's going to be chaos in the Democratic conference. You can take that to the bank." However Diaz also said, "(But) I'm not going to join the Republicans. Never. Never." more ›

Sigh, of course, the State Senate Democrats' and Republicans' power-sharing deal talks totally collapsed yesterday, leaving the fate of the State Senate—and important state legislation—in the hands of Judge Thomas McNamara who had all but begged the Senators to get their acts together and work it out themselves. State Senator Pedro Espada Jr. (D-Bronx), who helped create this morass after last week's coup, said, "We need judicial intervention." more ›

After being told by a judge to work out their own mess, Senate Democrats claimed to be working on a power-sharing deal with Republicans (here's a letter they sent to the GOP). The Republicans were, after last Monday's coup, in power, but then dissident Democrat Hiram Monserrate decided to side back with the Democrats, splitting the Senate into a 31-31 tie, with no majority. more ›

To bookend a week that began with a coup in Albany which stripped the Senate Democrats of their majority, Senate Dems met to discuss their leadership and future. And while former Senate majority leader Malcolm Smith (D-Queens) refused to answer reporters' questions about whether he still headed the Democratic conference, the Democrats apparently told Smith that he's out and that Senator John Sampson (D-Brooklyn) will be the "conference's de facto boss." more ›