Governor Paterson denies Senate plea to delay special session

ALBANY - Gov. Paterson rejected a plea from Senate leaders to delay a special session to give them time to work out their crazy squabble that has stalled work in Albany for two weeks.

An aide to the governor said Paterson rejected the request.

"We're going to have a special session (Tuesday)," the aide said. "We need to get back to work."

Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos and dissident Democrat along Pedro Espada Jr. along with new Democratic conference leader John Sampson and the man he replaced, Malcolm Smith, met briefly with Paterson.

The leaders sneaked out a back way after the meeting to avoid waiting reporters.

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