State Senate GOP may be considering adding another seat

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

The New York state Senate’s Republican majority is reportedly considering adding another seat to the chamber, a move that would strengthen its majority in a state dominated by Democratic voters.

Republican spokesman Scott Reif says the idea floated in Albany Monday is pure speculation. He says the redistricting process that will redraw election district lines still has months to go and there are no plans to add a seat at this time.

Senate Democrats say the move would be illegal under the Constitution, a position Republicans dispute.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who promises to veto any redistricting aimed at maintaining a majority’s power, says he hasn’t heard of the proposal to add a Senate seat.

The Senate now has 62 seats and Republicans hold a 32-30 majority.

Elections are next year.