N.Y. might just do the right thing.

"New York Dems To Gang Of Three: Drop Dead

Jim Burroway

December 10th, 2008

Remember that apparent deal we told you about between New York State Sen. Malcom Smith and the so-called “Gang of Three”? That deal centered on the Democrats taking control of the Senate for the first time in forty years in exchange pledging to Sens. Rubén Díaz Sr., Pedro Espada, and Carl Kruger in writing not to put same-sex marriage legislation up for a vote.

It now looks like that deal has fallen apart:

Sen. Malcolm Smith said today that he will cease negotiations on the reorganization of the Senate with the so-called “Gang of Three”. “We are suspending negotiations, effective immediately, because to do so otherwise would reduce our moral standing and the long-term Senate Democratic commitment to reform and change,” Smith said. “It became very clear to me, over time, that those negotiations started being more about self interest.”

…”Frankly, we would rather wait two more years to take charge of the Senate than to simply serve the interests of a few,” Smith said. He also said limiting civil rights of New Yorkers should not be part of the negotiations, but should be part of the legislative process."

Once again, I see a glimmer of hope. The cynic in me is silenced -- for now, and I think real change might just be possible.