On the political front, Senator John Bonacic, whose district is in the Hudson Valley, became the first Republican to call openly for Mr. Bruno to step down as majority leader, a rare act of defiance among Senate Republicans.
"We can't have a leader under investigation by the F.B.I. after we have taken such a beating in New York and nationally," Mr. Bonacic said in an interview. "We deal in political perceptions, and in our business, perception is almost 90 percent of reality," he added.
Few members of the Senate have been willing to talk publicly about Mr. Bruno and his political viability. Privately, some Senators have expressed concern that one of their first tasks next month will be re-electing Mr. Bruno as the temporary president of the Senate - even though he is facing a federal inquiry. They fear that the vote could further weaken the already wounded State Republican Party just as a popular Democrat, Eliot Spitzer, takes office as governor, promising to reform Albany's reputation for corruption.
As I suggested elsewhere, this development doesn't surprise me. State Senate leader is the top job for NY Republicans now, now that the GOP has no real hope for capturing a statewide race any time soon. Now that this Bonacic has come out against Bruno, others - like those anonymous state senators mentioned in that last paragraph - may soon follow.
But already, we're being treated to ringside seats to an intra-party brawl:
"I'm sure the conference is very much behind Joe Bruno," said Senator Martin Golden, a Brooklyn Republican. "I think it's premature for Bonacic or any senators to come out with this statement, very premature."
Another story like this and I'll be forced to title my next post "Repubs in Disarray." I can't wait.
