ALBANY, NY (AP) -- New York Senate Democrats are taking turns filling the leadership chairs on the Senate floor as they try to keep control of the chamber.
LISTEN: More Chaos Expected Wednesday 
READ: More Political News 
Starting Wednesday morning around 6 a.m., senators took shifts in the seats reserved for the officer presiding over the Senate and the temporary president.
SOUNDOFF on the Albany cirucs (877) 987- WCBS (9227) and your comments may be on the air!
Want to find out who your representative is and contact them? CLICK HERE and find out your state senator!
The Senate is returning for a second special session ordered by Gov. David Paterson, with same-sex marriage on the agenda Wednesday. The Democrats are locked in a power struggle with Republicans who recruited one dissident Democrat to create a 31-31 split in the chamber. That has stalled legislative action since June 8.
The factions held competing sessions on the Senate floor Tuesday. But the legitimacy of their votes remained unclear Wednesday morning.
Giuliani Wants Constitutional Convention
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani is calling for a state constitutional convention to fix what he calls New York's dysfunctional government.
Giuliani is making the case for a constitutional convention as the state Senate remains mired in a power struggle that has halted legislative action for more than two weeks.
A convention would give specially elected delegates broad powers to change the rules controlling government in Albany. Staging a convention would require approval from both the Legislature and the state's voters.
Giuliani laid out his case in an opinion piece in The New York Times on Wednesday. He says issues that could be brought up include term limits, campaign finance reform and changes in the way New York adopts its budget.
Discontent Democrats Meet with Republicans
Two Democratic New York senators who have previously indicated dissatisfaction with party leadership and positions met with Republicans Tuesday but neither announced a switch that would break a power gridlock.
Sen. Ruben Diaz, a Bronx Democrat, says he's not joining the coalition of 30 Republicans and currently one dissident Democrat. Legislation to legalize gay marriage may reach the Senate floor Wednesday, and Diaz is an outspoken opponent. Many Democrats back and many Republicans oppose it.
Sen. Karl Kruger, of Brooklyn, also met with Republicans Tuesday.
Bronx Democrat Pedro Espada has joined Republicans in a coalition that split the Senate 31-31. Queens Democrat Hiram Monserrate sided briefly with Republicans but reversed.
E-Mail Story
Print Story
