State Senator Diane Savino (left) easily defeated her Republican challenger, Lisa Grey (right), and will now play a key role in determining whether Democrats or Republicans will have majority control of the State Senate in 2013 and 2014.

The November 6 election saw the Democratic party make gains in the State Senate – it currently holds a 31-30 edge over Republicans in the Legislature’s upper chamber, and Democratic candidates are leading in two additional races that have yet to be called.

However, newly-elected Brooklyn Democrat Simcha Felder has already stated his intention to caucus with the Republican leadership. So if Democrats hold onto their leads in the remaining two races, control of the chamber will depend on a group of four Democrats that broke away from their caucus last term – a group that includes State Senator Diane Savino.

Savino’s district covers parts of Staten Island, Coney Island, Bath Beach, and the northern part of Bay Ridge.

At the time of the split, Savino said, “Today, we’re declaring our independence. We can’t be part of leadership that is more intent on perks than policy.” Continue reading »