State Sen. Daniel Squadron, who represents much of Lower Manhattan and sections of Brooklyn, was at the center of the Albany political soap opera yesterday.
He was backing up Democratic Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, who tried to force a vote on the removal of Majority Leader Dean Skelos. Mr. Skelos was arrested on corruption charges this week. Following the failed effort, Republicans accused Democrats of sowing dysfunction in the chamber.
Squadron put out the following statement late yesterday:
Today’s actions by the Senate Majority caused dysfunction in the house. I’ve been involved in a lot of floor fights, but today we saw a new way to undermine democracy. No one disputes that the Majority rules, and that’s how order is maintained in the Senate chamber. But it’s shocking for a vote on the presiding officer’s ruling to be refused. Today was about the ability of the Senate leader to perform his role with integrity, and to maintain the trust of the members of the house, and more importantly, the people of New York State. That trust has been deeply compromised.
Democrats are expected to try again for a vote on Skelos Monday.
