rdered to work together as a whole, Senate Democrats have a plan for power-sharing.
"We will rotate by hour or we will rotate by half a day, whichever it is. Republicans start in the front or we start in the front presiding and you have a floor leader of the opposite party, and it goes back and forth," said Democratic Senator Malcolm Smith on Monday.
New York Governor David Paterson took the Senate to court.
State Supreme Court Judge Joseph Teresi found the Governor does have the power to convene the Senate only, and ordered the Senators to work together.
"I find that the word 'convene' means to come into session as one group," Teresi said.
The Senate has been holding separate sessions lasting only a few minutes each time, with the people's business not getting done, and important laws set to expire.
"Apparently the Senate forgot who sent them to Albany. So I encourage all New Yorkers to use your voices. Pick up the phone, call a Senator, tell them to get back to work," Paterson said.
Judge Teresi also had tough talk for the Senate, about public perception of their behavior.
"...and that those same people may also conclude and to find that conduct as rude, inconsiderate and egotistical," said Teresi.
In a statement, the Republican-led coalition said "We fully expect that by tomorrow morning the judges' decision will be stayed by a higher court."
That prompted criticism from the Democrats.
"...are more concerned about politics, power, leadership and not about people," said Democratic Senator John Sampson.
The session is set for Tuesday at 10 AM.
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