'Farcical' Senate engages in split show ; Paterson calls tumult a 'dereliction of duty'

Summary

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In a city accustomed to political theater, Tuesday's Senate showdown -- featuring shouting Republicans and Democrats in dueling sessions in the same chamber at the same time -- set a new standard for legislative gridlock and turmoil at the Capitol.

When the drama ended, nearly 100 bills had been passed, though with a huge legal asterisk. Even Gov. David A. Paterson was unsure whether any of the votes, including by his fellow Democrats, were legal.

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'Farcical' Senate engages in split show ; Paterson calls tumult a 'dereliction of duty'

Calling the parliamentary maneuverings a "dereliction of duty" by both parties, Paterson said the Senate's conduct, spread out over several tense hours, "was farcical" and that lawmakers needed to "be punished."

After the wild session, both Democrats and Republicans insisted that their measures pa...

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