http://www.observer.com/term/senate-coup-2009 en http://www.observer.com/2009/politics/smith-were-going-court ALBANY—After David Paterson called for a vote to resolve a leadership dispute in the State Senate, a spokesman for Democratic Leader Malcolm Smith announced he would file a lawsuit against Republicans. Here's the statement from Austin Shafran, Smith's spokesman: "The Temporary President and Majority Leader, Senator Malcolm A. Smith, was elected to a two year term pursuant to a resolution passed by a majority of Senators in January 2009. The purported coup was an unlawful violation... Politics Austin Shafran Local Malcolm Smith Senate Coup 2009 state senate Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:58:00 -0400 http://www.observer.com/2009/politics/smith-were-going-court