NY governor Paterson orders special Senate session to settle power fight, pass critical bills

NY governor orders gridlocked Senate to meet

ALBANY, N.Y. — Unsatisfied with New York senators’ efforts to resolve their paralyzing power dispute, Gov. David Paterson is ordering a special session beginning Tuesday.

Paterson says his order could compel senators to stay in Albany every day, including weekends and the July 4 holiday, until they take up unfinished business.

Although a governor can order a special session and set the agenda of bills to be considered, lawmakers can’t be forced to vote on or debate those bills.

The Democratic governor also offered senators two well-respected former politicians to act as mediators on Monday, but held out little hope that would avoid the need for a special session.

The leadership dispute has gridlocked the Senate since June 8.