Senator Aubertine: "There Was a Quorum"

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By Kris Rusho

Story Published: Jul 1, 2009 at 3:17 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 1, 2009 at 3:17 PM EDT

Most of the circus performers known as the state senators in Albany are betting that voters will have short memories, as former Governor Mario Cumo once said.

Yesterday the show continued, with Democrats saying they were able to pass several bills when a Republican senator walked through the chamber, creating a quorum.

Senator Aubertine believes that there was definitely a quorum, with Republican Senator Frank Padavan from Queens traversing through the Democrat's session in search of a beverage.

Senator Darrel Auberine believes that there was a legitimate quorum called and that the bills passed are legal.

"Frank Padavan even admits to being in the chamber...as a legislator who has been there for 37 years, Frank certainly knows once you are in the chamber, all you need to do is be recognized by the journal clerk," Aubertine said.

It is believed that Senator Padavan made eye contact with the journal clerk as he made his way through the chamber and was recognized as being present.

However, Governor Paterson says he will not sign those bills into law and Senator Darrel Aubertine says as of 10:30 last night, his stance had not changed.

Democratic Senators are hoping that the governor will change his mind, especially with the Power for Jobs legislation at risk.

In total, 122 bills were passed by the Democratic session on Tuesday, June 30.

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