‘Gang of Four’ Dems key to senate control

NEW YORK — The fight for control of New York’s Senate that Democrats thought they won in historic fashion Tuesday could go on for weeks with a group of four maverick New York City lawmakers essentially holding the key to the balance of power.

The four Democratic senators met Wednesday with GOP leaders who hold the Senate majority at least until Jan. 1, according to Republicans and Democrats familiar with the meeting. The meeting was to discuss how the four might serve the GOP and what’s in it for them should they defect, according to the officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity because leaders wouldn’t confirm the talks.

Jude Engelmayer, a spokesman for the newly formed independent caucus, denied that the four had met with Republicans or Democrats Wednesday. He said the group only met with each other and they are forming an agenda, but Engelmayer declined to provide further details.