National Progressives urge IDC to reunite with mainline Democrats in state Senate
Pressure has been mounting on the eight-member Independent Democratic Conference in recent weeks to return to the mainline Democrats in the state Senate. Democrats would be in control of the Senate if not for the breakaway IDC sharing power with Republicans in a majority coalition which can block legislation it does not want passed.
Last month, the state’s 18 House Democrats, fired off a letter urging reconciliation. U.S. Reps. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria), Grace Meng (D-Flushing) and Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica) all signed off.
“This reality is devastating, particularly for hardworking New Yorkers, because Republicans are intent on advancing President Donald Trump’s agenda,” they wrote. “The people across New York state have spoken and their wishes should be honored. Now is the time for all Democrats to return to the Democratic Conference to work collaboratively to benefit all New Yorkers, and fight unitedly against President Trump’s agenda.”
National Progressive figures are now lending their voices following the swearing-in of state Sen. Brian Benjamin (D-Harlem) last week, giving Senate Democrats a one-member majority if not for the breakaway IDC. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California) urged the IDC to leave the coalition with Republicans in Albany.
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