With the New York State Senate Democrats confirming Tuesday that Senator-elect Jesse Hamilton will join their conference and not the breakaway Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) the scrum is on for the other Brooklyn Democrats on how they will align in the new GOP controlled legislative body.
While Senators Kevin Parker, John Sampson, Velmanette Montgomery and Marty Dilan remain strongly part of the Democratic conference fabric, Diane Savino and Simcha Felder are a different story.
Felder, technically a Democrat, said he will caucus with the Republicans and that joining the IDC made no sense, especially when they publically declared they would go against the Republicans in the last election cycle.
“At the end of the day you have to put politics aside and do what’s best for the good of the people. Thank God I represent a district that isn’t as concerned with party politics and are more concerned about getting things done for the district,” said Felder.
Felder met with GOP senate leaders several weeks ago and said he expects to continue chairing the Children and Family Services Committee and the subcommittee for New York City Education.
While Savino is widely believed to remain with the IDC, her spokesperson Robert Cataldo said there are still ongoing meetings on what decision will be made and no comments will be made while negotiations are ongoing.
The senator will probably make the decision after Christmas, he said.
Sources close to Montgomery said the IDC is probably the biggest loser in the jockeying for position.
“The IDC won’t get the same perks. All have big offices with big conference rooms, but that will likely change. With Republicans now in majority they will become like (GOP Majority Leader) Dean Skelos’ ugly mistresses,” sources said.
