Today's session is being broadcast on the Senate Web site, the same feed that was cut off when the GOP mounted its rebellion on Monday. But the Web site itself is still controlled by Democrats and (the senator they claim is) Majority Leader Malcolm Smith. But the bill jackets are locked up, according to Republican presiding officer Sen. George Winner, so they won't be voting on anything today. Also, Democratic rebel Sen. Hiram Monserrate left after voting present, indicating he wasn't prepared to vote for any legislation today. New Majority Leader Sen. Dean Skelos said the Supreme Court judge in Rensselaer County has declined to issue the temporary restraining order being sought by Smith and the Democrats. President Pro Tempore Sen. Pedro Espada said his home was burglarized. He said he wants the Senate to have a floor vote on same-sex marriage (which he supports). Now they are adjourning until Monday at 3 p.m.
The journal clerk was not in his usual place at a podium beneath the presiding officer, and Winner said they had to bring in their own personnel. Presumably, that means the journal clerk is still taking his orders from the secretary of the Senate, a Smith loyalist who also has the key to the bill jackets. The Web site live feed has gone back to its regular Smith video welcome loop.
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