Pedro Espada is under fire for apparent mishaps on ethics and residency issues. He stands accused of failing to file some 41 campaign reports since 2002, making it impossible to know how he raises and spends, his campaign cash. His main place of residency has also come into question as well as his alleged office on Fordham Road. The Daily News has more here.
Senate Democrats seeking to hold on to power have locked down the Senate Chambers in Albany, and have enlisted the help of the White House. State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has been asked to investigate the legality of the Republican coup, as well as the use of campaign funds by Senator Espada.
Billionaire Tom Golisano has confirmed reports of secretly plotting the takeover. One of his reasons is attributed to a meeting in April with then Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, in which Smith is said to have spent too much time on his Black Berry.
While many Senate Democrats continue to hold that Malcolm Smith is their leader, rumors of Brooklyn Democrat John Sampson becoming his replacement have been floating around.
Mayor Bloomberg plays down conflict in Albany, saying it plays second fiddle to other pressing state issues.
Pedro Espada tried to meet with Secretary of the Senate Angelo Aponte to ask for his resignation and keys to the locked Senate chamber, which Aponte holds. Aponte, who is still loyal to Senator Smith refused to meet with Espada.
