By AP
Albany, NY – ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ A DISSIDENT DEMOCRATIC SENATOR IS BACK WITH
HIS PARTY AFTER HELPING LEAD THE REPUBLICAN-DOMINATED COUP THAT
SHUT DOWN NEW YORK'S SENATE FOR MORE THAN A MONTH.
BRONX SEN. PEDRO ESPADA'S RETURN GIVES DEMOCRATS A 32-30
MAJORITY FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE JUNE 8 COUP.
AS PART OF THE DEAL, ESPADA TAKES THE TITLE OF SENATE MAJORITY
LEADER.
ESPADA'S MOVE COMES AFTER DEMOCRATIC GOV. DAVID PATERSON'S
SHOCKING DECISION TO APPOINT A LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TO PRESIDE OVER
THE SENATE, GIVING HIS PARTY THE UPPER HAND IN A CHAMBER THAT'S
BEEN DIVIDED 31-31.