New York State Senate Shared Leadership Deal Brings Varied Reaction

Hemera[/caption]Everyone from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to Reverend Al Sharpton are weighing in on the deal announced this week that has Republicans in the state senate and the Independent Democratic Conference sharing the leadership of the chamber.

Governor Cuomo is taking a wait-and-see stance and says he's just interested that the Senate operates smoothly and legislation he supports makes it through the chamber.

Some Senate staffers had commented that they're confused as to how the new system will operate. Staffers aren't sure who they are supposed to answer to and how the coalition leadership deal will impact negotiations over bills.

The Reverend Al Sharpton is vowing to campaign against the coalition leadership. Sharpton says the coalition stole power from traditional Democrats elected by voters.