Albany, New York – Democratic state senators have entered the Senate chambers for the first time in two weeks, ahead of a special legislative session called by Governor Paterson today.

Paterson is ordering the state Senate to convene for a special session at 3 p.m. to try to break the leadership stalemate that’s paralyzed the chamber.

Democratic State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins of Westchester is presiding over the 14 Democratic senators in the chamber.

Republicans, led by Senators Dean Skelos and Pedro Espada Jr., had planned to call their own session at 2 p.m. session in an attempt to grab control of the chamber and the gavel before Democrats arrive for the governor’s session.

There is word that legislators worked through the night to hammer out a resolution to the power stalemate, but Espada said no deal was reached.

The regular session ended Monday with no resolution to the power struggle that began June 8, when Senators Espada and Hiram Monserrate voted with the GOP to oust the Democratic leadership. Monserrate has since gone back to the Democrats, creating a deadlock.

The governor refused a request by state senators to delay today’s special session so they could keep working on a power-sharing deal.

Even though senators are required to attend the special session, the governor cannot force them to vote.

(Source: Capital News 9 / NY1)