From Joe Spector of Gannett:
While state Sen. Joseph Bruno left as Senate majority leader Tuesday, his impact on the chamber could still be great.
If the former majority leader leaves office before year's end, his empty seat would leave Republicans with a tenuous one-seat majority that could potentially thwart any other agreements this year.
Some Republican officials predicted a Bruno resignation from the state Senate could come within weeks, a move that would leave Republicans with just a 31-30 edge in the Senate.
Asked yesterday if he believes Bruno will leave before term expires, new state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said, "I think so," but added that he's not sure if Bruno has made a final decision.
