Updated 06/05/2009 11:39 AM
Smith: Not Enough Votes For Same-Sex Marriage Bill
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
New York State Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith is insisting he will not bring a bill legalizing same-sex unions to a vote unless he has the support to pass it.
NY1's tally on the proposed gay marriage bill currently stands at 20 lawmakers for the legislation, 28 against, 10 who are undecided, and four who will not say.
The state Assembly has already passed the bill.
During a news conference yesterday Smith pointed to the NY1 tally to back up his claims that the votes are not there.
"I watch NY1," said Smith. "I trust those numbers."
"What about your own internal numbers?" responded NY1 Political reporter Josh Robin. "Senator Tom Duane, your colleague, says he has 32-plus."
"I have been steadfast in my position and I will repeat it again. I don't have 32 votes," answered Smith.
Out of the four state senators who have yet to take a position for, against, or undecided on the gay marriage issue, one is from the city, freshman State Senator Joseph Addabbo of Queens.
NY1 spoke to residents in his district, which includes parts of Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Maspeth and Middle Village, who said they want to know his views on the issue.
"He needs to make a decision quick, a lot of people are interested knowing," said one resident.
"It's very important," said another. "He needs to say if he is for, or against it."
"I really think as an elected official he should have a position," agreed a third. "He should let the people that he represents know what his position is."
For the complete tally, go to www.ny1.com/senate.