Rogue Dems win many concessions

BY KENNETH LOVETT DAILY NEWS ALBANY BUREAU CHIEF
Thursday, December 4th 2008, 9:42 PM
ALBANY - The month-long battle for leadership of the state Senate is seemingly over.
Three dissident Democrats who flirted with supporting a Republican to lead the Senate over their party's favorite, Malcolm Smith, are back in the fold.
"It is done," said holdout Sen. Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx), who will be tabbed to head the Senate Committee on Aging.
That gives Smith the needed 32 votes to be elected the chamber's first Democratic leader in 43 years over Republican Majority Leader DeaSkelos, who was trying to hang on.
In exchange, the dissidents, Diaz, Sen. Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn and Sen.-elect Pedro Espada (D-Bronx), were promised a host of reforms - and leadership posts.
The agreement was reached after a final meeting brokered by upstate billionaire Thomas Golisano and Rep. Gregory Meeks.
Gov. Paterson and Brooklyn Democratic Chairman Vito Lopez an assemblyman, were also in the meeting for a time, sources said.
Smith spokesman Hank Sheinkopf said the meeting "resolved rules changes proposed by Sen. Smith, which will result in Senate reform and the election of Malcolm Smith as leader."
Among the changes, sources said, the position of Senate president pro tempore and majority leader will be decoupled.
Smith will lead the Senate and the Democrats as president pro tempore, while Espada will be named the less-powerful majority leader, making him the highest-ranking Latino leader in state government.
Skelos, like his predecessor, former Sen. Joe Bruno held both titles.

Kruger is expected to head the powerful Finance Committee, which will likely be given a $5 million budget. Committee chairmen get stipends of up to $15,000.
In addition, sources said, lawmakers will be seated alphabetically instead of by party, and the minority party will have more staff and financial resources and an easier time bringing bills to the floor for a vote.
"It's historic," Kruger said. "Everyone will be treated equally, fairly and equitably. The Gang of Three has made a permanent and indelible imprint."
One key issue for Diaz was legalizing gay marriage, which Diaz opposes. He said he's been assured the issue won't come to the floor.
Two long-time senators believe the deal can still fall apart. A vote on the new rules would be needed in January.

"I think there's going to be a lot of pushback" from veteran Democrats senators not wanting to cede power to the three dissidents, said one.