Not wanting to see his ambitious agenda stalled by a drawn-out battle over control of the Senate, Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo today appealed to Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman to expedite the recount litigation in the three cliffhanger races.

In a letter to Lippman, (who happens to be an ally of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver), Cuomo cited a “particular urgency for an expeditious resolution of the three undecided State Senate races.” (7th, 37th and 60th SDs).

He was careful not to choose sides in the struggle for power, going so far as to insist that his request is not political in nature, but borne of a desire to see government function when he takes office.

“In the absence of such a resolution, when the Legislature assembles on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 to begin the new legislative term, the Senate may lack a functioning majority,” Cuomo continued. “That would complicate, if not render impossible, the conduct of day-to-day business in the Senate Chamber.”

“Moreover, a non-functioning Senate would stymie the ability of the Legislature as a whole to pass bills, fulfill it’s responsibilities in enacting a timely and balanced budget, and otherwise do the people’s business.”

“In my view, a Senate in limbo is not only undesirable, but also unacceptable. The challenges now facing the State are immense and impact the lives of all New Yorkers. Rarely in our history has it been more important that the State has a fully functional Legislature.”

“To that end, it is imperative the three pivotal Senate races be decided as soon as possible, consistent with applicable statutory and constitutional requirements.”

LippmanLetter

Share|