Espada Deal Dead?

There's been some buzz that the brazenly political deal state Democrats had hammered out to appease the "Gang of Three" is falling apart. It looks like maybe Pedro Espada won't be able to force his way into a leadership position by playing hardball like Don Corleone.

Here is Malcolm Smith's statement that was posted on West Bronx Blog by Jordan Moss:

"Today I am announcing that the Democratic Members of the Senate have elected to cease negotiations on reorganization matters with all three Senators as discussed both in private and in the press. We are suspending negotiations, effective immediately, because to do so otherwise would reduce our moral standing and the long-term Senate Democratic commitment to reform and to change. We believe that ultimately, we must do what is right for the people of the State of New York. Furthermore, real reform cannot and should not ever include limiting the civil rights of any New Yorkers. Those issues must be part of the legislative process.

The members of this Conference have come a long way to consider the demands placed on the table. But frankly, we would rather wait two more years to take charge of the Senate than to simply serve the interests of the few. New York State cannot afford the type of self-serving politics being proposed and I will not be the leader to sacrifice what is right for New York for a quick political solution."

I wonder how this thing is going end up? If Malcolm Smith doesn't get these three votes, who is in line to become Majority Leader and President of the Senate up in Albany...We'll be staying tuned.

*Espada pic courtesy of www.villagevoice.com*

~ErLu