ALBANY (AP) -- New York Senate Democrats say they've unanimously chosen Sen. Malcolm Smith to lead their historic majority.
After a closed door conference Tuesday night, Smith said he is certain he has the support of the 32-30 Democratic majority that won in the Nov. 4 election - securing control of the Senate for the first time in 43 years.
Smith has the support of three Democrats who had threatened to side with Republicans if party leaders didn't meet their demands for lucrative leadership posts and greater attention to Hispanic causes and conservative issues.
Senators officially vote for their leader when the 2009 session opens Wednesday at noon.
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