Is the end near? State Senators appear close to a deal to end the impasse in Albany. Today, Democrats and Republicans opened and closed Governor Paterson's third special session in minutes, refusing to pass any bills. But behind the scenes, both sides are suddenly optimistic a deal is close.

Dissident Democrat Pedro Espada, Jr. said today, "We're all embarrassed. We're all embarrassed that we've embarrassed ourselves...We all agree that the lack of leadership by Governor Paterson has hurt this process."

Do you believe a deal is near? How do you hope this impasse ends? Is Espada right to blame Paterson for the stalemate?

Send us your thoughts using the link above.

What planet is Espada living on? This is all his mess with that dopey Monserrate (and where has he been). These two should be in jail and the rest should be voted out.

Rich
Midtown East

When Bush was in power, I was ashamed to be an American and kept apologizing to anyone I met from another country. Now, I am embarrassed to be a New Yorker, something I NEVER thought was possible. This is the most inarticulate and self-interested group of barely educated government officials imaginable. It gets worse every day.

I think we need a special election to replace all of the incompetents running our state government. There have to be better candidates than these to hold state office!

Phyllis
Park Slope

Why don't we just make Espada the governor? It might be easier to impeach him then. He is disgusting!

Liz from Sunnyside (should be "Cloudy, fuming-side")

espada is a low-life and hows his plea deal coming? If the Democratic party of this state had any cohones they would expel him and that other nincompoop from our party. When will the two of them do the perp walk? They both belong in the grand-not olde party. We dont want them except their proxy, that is

John
Kissena Park

To put in Espadas lingo-Hew is stpido.

Chip
Upper East Side

Espada, knee deep in the hoopla, is a crook with his hands in the cookie jar with eyes on the governorship (thats some gall), while Monserrate, a misogynist slasher who has extorted a girlfriend to throw her testimony, shows on again off again loyalty in a "whatever it takes to get ahead" attitude, and they are passing judgment on Paterson?

Here's the judgment of Paterson which sadly three quarters of NYers ignore: he has told them the bad economic news and the tough actions required to get back on track.

He has done all within his privy to get the Senate back to doing the work of the people, but apparently thru years of neglect, the Senate believes it is bigger than the Governorship or the citizenry..

Many times we hear NYers do what it takes when times are tough, But recently, given Paterson's poll numbers, we see that its one thing to say nice cliches, its another thing to live and act them.

We are too preoccupied with what politicians will do or give to us, part of the overall abuse of the political system.

Maybe Al Quada is right: we no longer have the stomach for tough actions.

David
Astoria

It's a joke and meanwhile everyone goes home with their pockets full and we always end up as the fools. They should not be able to get away with any of this. Also what deal are we talking about, this is all about us not what deals they can make.

maxxiee
mp

THIS SOUNDS LIKE A JOB FOR ROSCOE. YOU KNOW THAT LITTLE BEAGLE THAT SNIFFS OUT THE BEDBUGS. THE ANSWER WAS RIGHT THERE, IN THE FORM OF ONE OF YOUR SPONSORS. ROSCOE WOULD HAVE A FIELD DAY IN ALBANY! THEY ARE A BUNCH OF BEDBUGS. REMEMBER THE BUGS COME ELECTION TIME.

JOE, BAY TERRACE

Blame Paterson for the stalemate? He may not be a very forceful leader or governor but how is he to blame for the mess created by Espada and Monserrat? Where are their constituents in all this???

Sue
Chelsea

The end certainly is near...the end of the political careers of these clowns in the State Senate. Can't wait for the next election so we can vote Espada, Monserate and all the other Republican stooges out of office! The way they have disrespected and embarrassed the people of NYS is totally disgusting!

Ed
Bronx

Dear Republicans and Democrats in Albany:

I have worked for 50+ years. I’ve never been paid to stone wall or abandon my responsibilities. I hold you to the same standard of “doing whatever is in front of you.” If you don’t like it, don’t run the next time.

It isn’t Governor Patterson’s fault. He’s your boss and I’m your employer (along with 1000’s of other New Yorkers.)

Respectfully,
Jeanne