BREAKING: Republicans win back control of NY state Senate

Republicans flipped two Democratic Senators this afternoon, staging a leadership coup that ousted the Dem majority put together by Sen. Malcolm Smith.

The action began around 3pm and GOP leaders overwhelmed procedural efforts by the Democrats to stop the take-over.

Democrats Hiram Monserrate and Pedro Espada Jr. defected, with Espada named President Pro Tem of the Senate.

Sen. Dean Skelos is the new majority leader.

A few minutes ago state Senator Betty Little was still caucused with other Republicans, trying to sort out the state’s new political landscape.

More to come on All Before Five.