We are now entering hour four of the Assembly debate over Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s gun control legislation, a lengthy discussion that stands in stark contrast to the relatively smooth vote in the state Senate late last night.

On the surface, it’s all a bit unexpected, considering that getting the updated assault weapons ban, plus the reduced number of bullets in magazines through the chamber was believed to be a far heavier the lift.

And clearly behind the scenes that lift was heavy with Republicans, Democrats and Gov. Andrew Cuomo haggling for weeks on the finer points of the measure, along with the technical wording of the increased penalties.

But at the end of the night, only two Republicans spoke against the bill, while ultimately 18 voted in favor of the measure.

Despite their lack of power in the Democratic-dominated house, Assembly Republicans, meanwhile, have the luxury of not being on the line to make a deal, nor did they have any say in the shaping of the legislation.

While the Republicans in the Assembly, along with Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long, might like the tougher criminal penalties, that hasn’t assuaged their concerns over the impact on Second Amendment rights and the rapid aging process through a message of necessity.

Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, who waved a copy of the Constitution during the floor debate, told me an interview that the Senate — controlled by a coalition of Republicans and five Democrats — should have blocked the measure.

“Without question,” Tedisco said. ”It never should have come to the floor to of the New York state Senate because it is a dangerous bill. It creates a false sense of well-being.”

He was complimentary of the provisions addressing criminal activity and mental illnesses.

“I wish I could vote for all those good things, because I support all those good things,” he said.

Share|