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The trial of former state Sen. Pedro Espada Jr. ended Monday in guilty verdicts on four counts stemming from allegations that he used taxpayer funds meant to help poor patients for children's pony rides and other personal expenses.
He demanded leadership positions in part for what he said was a needed Latino voice, or the three would join Republicans and end the Democrats' first majority in a half-century.
In June 2009, Espada and freshman state Sen. Hiram Monserrate of Queens, then under investigation in a domestic violence case that would later cost him his seat, carried out the threat.
They joined the Republicans, with Espada gaining the title Senate president.
More than a month of gridlock ensued, with neither side recognizing the other's authority — even holding simultaneous sessions at one point and locking each other out of the chamber.
It ended when Democratic Gov. David Paterson appointed a lieutenant governor.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/f57422f0bec44c5c982eb3ccdbb52b2c/NY--Senator-Convicted/
He demanded leadership positions in part for what he said was a needed Latino voice, or the three would join Republicans and end the Democrats' first majority in a half-century.
In June 2009, Espada and freshman state Sen. Hiram Monserrate of Queens, then under investigation in a domestic violence case that would later cost him his seat, carried out the threat.
They joined the Republicans, with Espada gaining the title Senate president.
More than a month of gridlock ensued, with neither side recognizing the other's authority — even holding simultaneous sessions at one point and locking each other out of the chamber.
It ended when Democratic Gov. David Paterson appointed a lieutenant governor.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/f57422f0bec44c5c982eb3ccdbb52b2c/NY--Senator-Convicted/
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