Apparently, New York State Republicans staged a sneak-attack parliamentary takeover in Albany today:

The toppling of Democratic control unfolded in swift and dramatic fashion shortly after 3 p.m. as senators gathered in the lofty oaken chamber for what seemed like small-bore legislative action on an uneventful afternoon. Then, Senator Tom Libous, a Binghamton Republican, offered a resolution to reorganize the Senate leadership, a parliamentary maneuver that captured the entire capitol’s attention. Within minutes, reporters, staff members and Assembly members rushed to the Senate, crowding the chamber floor.

Democrats tried to stall the move, storming from the chamber and turning out the lights, but the Republicans continued the session, as two Democrats, Pedro Espada of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens, joined with them to elect new leaders. Quickly, Dean G. Skelos, a Long Island Republican reclaimed the title of Senate majority leader and Mr. Espada was made Senate president.

So this is what it’s like to live in a banana-republic commonwealth…