It should go without saying, but the events of the last two weeks in Albany are a gold mine for columnists, newspaper editors and political junkies.

The twist and turns of the soap opera that has become Albany have all the intrigue of a Margaret Truman murder mystery, without the body #- just the confusion and intrigue - though it is likely that both sides have candidates for the cadaver.

Yet, despite the entertainment value that this political drama seems to produce, taxpayers may want to know what this all means.

What occurred on June 8 in the state Senate chambers makes it clear that the Senate could change hands, possibly every time they meet #- depending on who is happy and who is not.

There is no question that Sens. Pedro Espada, D-Bronx, and Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, might not be considered the two most politically stable individuals in Albany at this point. Their legal troubles or their political motives could again see them shift their allegiances at any time.

So what does that mean for the “people's business?”

As of this writing, and possibly changing at any time from a tie of 31-31 and no party likely getting a majority of one or two votes, it means the Senate is in flux. In the end that means more chaos and non controversial incrementalism (which isn't a bad idea) from the Senate, if they even meet as a body, and thus Albany as a whole.

When ticking off just one or two senators makes your majority crumble, you are faced with a process that only allows those items that have the lowest common denominator of 32 to pass through the body.

Sure, there might be votes on some high profile bills and so-called reforms, but in the end it will be only the routine items that can get a bare majority to pass.

On the other hand, expect the Assembly, controlled by a Democratic majority that has more than a 2-1 advantage, to keep passing “one house” bills, allowing them to make political points with their constituents while the “do nothing Senate” limps along doing what they are only likely forced to do.

And don't expect the Assembly to stay in the State Capitol a minute past their scheduled adjournment next week.

Albany will be in a state of flux until at least a workable majority of 34 or more senators in one party are likely in place.

Cosentino is a former mayor of Auburn and can be contacted at cozguytho@aol.com