July 9, 2009 3:06 PM
Sources have told Newsday that wayward state Senator Pedro Espada is returning to the Democrats. Was it worth stalling necessary statewide immigration legislation for a month? This on Espada's flip-flop from Newsday:
ALBANY - The monthlong State Senate stalemate may be coming to an end as sources told Newsday that Bronx State Sen. Pedro Espada Jr. is returning to the Democratic fold after aligning himself with Republicans.
Two Democratic senators said Espada had been given a leadership post among Democrats as majority leader, the No. 2 job. Rumors swirled in the Capitol about whether Espada would share the job with state Sen. John Sampson of Brooklyn or hold it alone.
Espada's return to the Democrats would give them 32 votes to the Republicans 30, thereby breaking the tie that has existed since fellow coup participant State Sen. Hiram Monserrate (D- Jackson Heights) also returned to the Democratic fold.