With a sweeping gun control measure behind them, the leaders of the newly formed IDC-GOP Senate coalition believe they’ve passed a major hurdle toward convincing Albany they can manage the state Senate.

Both IDC Leader Jeff Klein and Republican Leader Dean Skelos said last night that the coalition’s stamp was on the legislation.

Klein carried the bill in the Senate, while Republicans pushed — and won — a host of provisions that ranged from strengthening measures for criminal activity involving illegal guns and an expansion of measures concerning the violently mentally ill.

Part of the Senate coalition’s argument has been it would provide equal input for both sides to bring legislation to the floor for a vote.

Klein said the measure was made stronger after the GOP input.

“Everyone talked about guns being the first test of the coalition,” Klein said. ”If it was a test I think we passed with flying colors. I think that’s what it’s about: It’s about Democrats and Republicans coming together to get things done for the residents of the state of New York. I think by having the Republicans’ input, it made it a better bill. I want to ban assault weapons, I want to limit high-capacity magazines, we couldn’t do a gun bill unless we enhance criminal penalties.”

Skelos wouldn’t say whether the bill would come to the floor for a vote if Republicans had an outright majority.

“I don’t speculate retroactively, but nobody thought gay marriage would come to the floor for a vote,” he told reporters before the vote.

Skelos also indicated it could be a catalyst for future deals.

“I think this is example of legislation that should come out for a vote,” he said. ”Vote yes, vote no and move on to the next issue.”

In the short term, it seems to be a good deal for both sides. But in the longer term, things could become a bit more dicey for the coalition.

This sets up an interesting quandary, though. Will the Senate GOP be as willing to compromise on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s women’s equality legislation that includes a strengthening of abortion and reproductive rights? Will the base of the GOP remain uneasy with Cuomo-backed measures that include the minimum wage?

 

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