Senators Spar Over School Control

Furious parents say they want more say in New York City schools, and some Democrats have had enough of mayoral control. Some lawmakers say Mayor Michael Bloomberg won't even negotiate with them and are threatening to fight.

But Bloomberg says he is open to implementing new ideas after his version is passed. Republicans say he has plenty of votes.

Sources say Democrats are split within their own conference, but many are united against the mayor's style.

Also on hand Wednesday was billionaire Tom Golisano, the architect of the June 8th political coup. But he wouldn't entertain questions about why he was at the Capitol.

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AP Report: NY Senate Session in Question After Member Leaves

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- New York's state Senate has met briefly to confirm a number of judicial appointments, and quickly resumed negotiations over pressing issues including mayoral control of schools and legislative reform.

Many senators were absent from the chamber when the voting started Wednesday night. Republicans said they appeared late because the Democrats started session without notifying them.

Other senators had returned to their districts, considering any attempts to resolve major issues futile.

It was unclear whether the senators would continue to work into the night to pass bills.

The law that gave the mayor authority over the city's schools has been praised for improving performance, but lapsed last month.