As we have explained on several occasions, a Democratic takeover of the Senate would be a disaster.   It seems that Governor Paterson agrees. 

 According to a story in yesterday’s Daily News, the Governor’s relationship with Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith has deteriorated on several fronts.  A principal reason for it is the Governor’s reticence to assist the Democrats in their efforts to take over the Senate.”The new governor not only failed to contribute anything to the Senate Democrats, but had actively avoided their fundraising events….”

 In fact, (and this is according to the liberal leaning, New York Daily News) “Paterson’s approach has sparked speculation he has reinstated a nonaggression pact with the Senate Republicans.  The theory is he’s decided it’s more useful to maintain the status quo balance of power so he can use the GOP majority as a foil going forward.”

Granted, it would be easier for the Governor to shift blame around if the Republicans controlled the Senate.  But I think his tacit support for the Republican majority goes beyond that simple, cynical explanation. 

Perhaps I’m an optimist, but I think that the Governor actually wants to make some needed changes.  For instance, he backs a property tax cap and other measures that could lower our tax burden.  If he ever wants these sorts of proposals to pass, he needs a Republican Senate.  I think the Governor knows that if the Senate is taken by the Democrats, he will spend his days dealing with the following sorts of legislation:

1. Legalization of gay marriage;

2.  Full public financing of campaigns (I guess the money for this will be created ex nihilo in a torch-lit ceremony that occurs in the basement of the Public Integrity Commission);

3.  A millionaire’s tax that will be broadened to include many middle class New Yorkers that are anything but millionaires.

4.  Legislation that will require full union wages for any projects that have anything to do with IDA’s.  Now I understand why the state would pay union wages for public works like roads (because it’s in the State Constitution – only in New York would there be union handouts written into the very Constitution).  But if an IDA is helping a business open a new plant in the area, it seems self-defeating to require that business to boost its construction costs by up to 30% . 

Governor Paterson knows that not only will a Democratic Senate spend its time on frivolities like gay marriage, but it will actively harm the state by passing legislation that will raise our taxes and scare away business.

I hope for all our sake that the New York voters realize this as well.