Joseph Spector

TJN

Sen. David Carlucci said today he has no immediate plans to abandon the Independent Democratic Conference, saying he will wait until after the legislative session next week to delve into politics.

Carlucci, D-Clarkstown, Rockland County, said he concurred with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who said yesterday that any effort to turn the Senate into a Democratic majority would happen after Election Day.

"At least the minimum is making sure that session goes clearly and try not to get involved in too much of the politics," he told Gannett's Albany Bureau. "And I agree with the governor with his statements that he made yesterday."

So does that mean he'll decide after session?

"What I’m most concerned about is how we are going to deliver for the unique issues that we have in Rockland and Westchester counties," he answered. "I have to see who my partners are."

So that means after November, then?

"What I’m saying is just trying to stay as much as possible out of the politics until the end of session, and then we can talk about politics all day long," he said. "But I think what will be very clear is that my principles, my values, my record shows that I’m a proud Democrat and clearly interested in pushing those Democratic values forward."

If Carlucci sounds like he's being pulled in different directions, it's because he is.

Unions and Democrats want him to immediately signal a return to the Democratic conference as they, and Cuomo, want Democrats in charge so they can pass public financing of campaigns, a higher minimum wage, the Dream Act and a Women's Equality Act.

But if he leaves the five-member IDC, he'd be signaling a major crack in the coalition as the other members are, or may, face primaries.

Clarkstown Councilwoman Stephanie Hausner told Gannett’s Albany Bureau yesterday that she'll likely challenge Carlucci in a Democratic primary if he doesn't return to the Democratic conference.

"We’re excited that Stephanie is considering getting in," Communications Workers of America political director Bob Master said. "We basically feel like it’s time for Carlucci to decide whether or not he’s going stand up for progressive values and walk away from a deal that entrenches conservative Republican leadership in the state Senate."