The leadership battle in the New York State Senate has been an intriguing storyline since the 2008 election.
You may remember the Democrats took control for the first time in four decades only to lose it for about a month in the summer of 2009 during the infamouscoup, when two renegade members joined the Republicans before returning to the fold. In 2010, the GOP wrestled back control but two years later it looked like the Democrats might once again seize power until a breakaway group of four senators created the Independent Democratic Conference and formed a coalition government with the Republicans.
Now in 2016 a razor-thin difference in party numbers once again has control of the chamber in play. Former Majority Leader Dean Skelos was forced out after his corruption conviction last December and Democrats believe they have a great shot of taking that Long Island seat. If that happens, the number of Democrats would total 32 - the number needed for a majority. However, Democrat Simcha Felder caucuses with the Republicans (are you utterly confused yet?) and if that continues would keep the GOP in power.
This week we sit down with Andrea Stewart Cousins, the current minority leader, to discuss the chances her party could become the majority, as well as her role as a surrogate for Hillary Clinton. Watch the complete interview above.
