The GOP power play involves two renegade Democrats and a billionaire businessman.
Welcome to New York politics.
What happened Monday night in Albany, a coup in the state Senate five weeks in the making, made for a unique kind of drama, pitting Senate Democrats against Republicans.
Out of power? Former Democratic State Senate President and Majority Leader Malcolm Smith.
"Let's just be real clear, the Senate Democrats are still in the majority," said Smith. "Malcolm Smith is still the majority leader."
Assuming those titles in a return to power is Senator Dean Skelos of Rockville Centre.
How did it happen? Democrats can thank their own: Pedro Espada of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens, who turned their backs on their fellow Democrats and joined with Republicans.
"I want to thank Pedro and Hiram. I know the difficult votes you did today (Monday) but they did the right thing and I want to thank Tom Golisano who certainly has been a leader," said Skelos.
