The Democrats chances of grabbing the Senate majority also hinges on Democrats’ ability to win two seats — one a sure bet in the Bronx and the other a bit more iffy in Westchester County — that become vacant Jan. 1 when their occupants take other jobs. Cuomo has not said when he will call a special election to fill those seats. He has hinted at April so as not to interfere with the March budget talks.

Democrats are confident the demographics will help them in the 2018 elections, not to mention the drag Senate Republicans will see from having an unpopular Republican in the White House.

Flanagan stressed that while he believes the GOP will remain in control of the Senate, it will do so “not in a dictatorial fashion but in a collegial way because we know how to work with people.’’

As for the GOP alliance with Klein and the IDC, Flanagan said: “I expect it to last a lot longer than through the end of session.’’

All eyes on Westchester

Both sides are already gearing up for what will be a nasty and expensive race sometime next year to fill the Senate seat now held by Sen. George Latimer, a Democrat who is becoming the Westchester County executive. Flanagan would only say talks are underway with several Republicans to run.